Coin of Justinian I c. 527 - 562

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, a small bronze object. It feels very weathered, but I'm curious, what sort of imagery or symbolic meaning do you see in this piece? Curator: The coin’s worn surface hints at its journey through time. The presence of the Chi-Rho symbol, a monogram of Christ, speaks volumes about the era’s dominant ideology, intertwining imperial power with religious authority. Do you sense how such imagery might shape perceptions of leadership? Editor: It's fascinating to consider how such symbols could legitimize power. Thank you for sharing this! Curator: Indeed. It offers a glimpse into how symbols can encode complex cultural narratives within everyday objects.