Solidus of Justinian II, Second Reign, Constantinople c. 705

Editor: Here we have the Solidus of Justinian II, made of gold. Looking at it, the craftsmanship seems incredibly detailed for something so small. What can you tell us about it? Curator: The gold itself speaks volumes. It embodies wealth and power, doesn't it? Consider the labor involved in mining, refining, and minting these coins. Each strike of the die represents a transaction, not just of currency, but of social relations. How does the imagery on the coin reinforce that power? Editor: So, the coin is more than just money; it’s a record of economic and social practices? Curator: Precisely! It reflects the material conditions and power structures of its time. Examining such items helps us question traditional notions of art. Editor: I never thought about a coin in quite that way. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s all about questioning what labor, value, and status mean.