Coin of Justinian I c. 538 - 539

Curator: This is a bronze coin of Justinian I, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at it, I’m struck by how its surface has been softened by time. Editor: It's more than just softened. It carries the weight of history, doesn't it? Justinian's reign was a pivotal moment, a struggle between preserving Roman traditions and ushering in a new Byzantine identity. The coin embodies that tension. Curator: I see the process of striking these coins as repetitive, mass production supporting the ruler's power and control. Editor: But the coin itself, the very material, was also central to economic life and imperial power. It circulated amongst all levels of society. Who held this coin and what did it buy? Curator: Indeed, and how did the image of Justinian, however idealized, impact the lived experience of those who used it? Editor: Exactly. Considering the means and the message helps me see a fuller picture. Curator: It makes you wonder how many hands it passed through. Editor: It certainly does, and that's what makes it interesting.