Tremissis of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Editor: This is a gold Tremissis of Justin I from Constantinople. It’s incredible to see the detail preserved in such a small object! What do you see in this piece? Curator: The imagery on coins like this was deeply embedded in cultural memory. The emperor's portrait, for instance, was not just a likeness but a symbol of imperial authority, echoing Roman traditions. Editor: So, it's about more than just money. Curator: Precisely. Even the gold itself symbolized wealth, power, and permanence. The reverse imagery often depicted Victory or other figures, reinforcing the emperor's reign. It was a language everyone understood. Editor: I never thought of coins as carrying so much cultural weight! Curator: They are miniature time capsules! Looking closely helps us understand how people communicated power and identity.