Coin of Justin II c. 572 - 573

Curator: This is a coin from the time of Justin II, held here in the Harvard Art Museums, weighing 7.73 grams. Look closely. Editor: It's quite worn, isn’t it? I’m immediately struck by the evidence of its circulation and the handling over centuries. Curator: Exactly! Think of what this object represents. Coins weren’t just currency; they were a form of propaganda, reinforcing power structures and imperial authority. Editor: I find the material speaks volumes too. Copper alloy speaks to broader systems of mining, trade, and access to resources during Justin's reign. It's not just about imagery, but also the labor of making and using the coin. Curator: Precisely. Considering gender, race, and politics, the coin highlights the limited narratives circulated in antiquity. Whose stories weren't being told or valued? Editor: Thinking about the lifecycle of this object has certainly shifted my perspective. Curator: Agreed, seeing beyond the surface is key to understanding the object's place in history.