Coin of Justin II c. 573 - 574

Editor: Here we have the Coin of Justin II. It's tiny, isn't it? What strikes me is how this little coin tells a bigger story than its size suggests. What can you tell me about how this coin functioned in society? Curator: Well, consider the power dynamics embedded in currency. Justin II's image on this coin wasn’t just about trade; it was a form of propaganda, circulating his authority and legitimacy throughout the Byzantine Empire. Editor: Propaganda, even in something so small? Curator: Absolutely. It's a portable symbol of imperial power, reinforcing the social and political order with every transaction. The imagery, even if stylized, would be recognized, asserting dominance. Editor: So, it's like a mini billboard, but for the 6th century. I see it now. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Examining the coin helps us understand art's vital public role in bygone eras.