Coin of Justinian I c. 538 - 539

Editor: This is a bronze coin of Justinian I, and it looks like it's in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. The detail is incredible for such a small object. What can you tell me about its significance? Curator: This coin reveals the deliberate construction of imperial power. Consider the iconography: the portrait, the inscriptions. It all served to legitimize Justinian's rule in a complex society facing religious divides and external threats. How does the coin’s materiality – bronze, a common metal – play into this messaging? Editor: It's interesting that such a common material was used to project power. It's like a form of propaganda accessible to everyone. Curator: Precisely! This wasn't just about wealth; it was about disseminating a specific image of the emperor and his reign to the masses. The coin served as a constant, tangible reminder of imperial authority. Editor: I see how understanding the historical context changes my view of it. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. These objects, however small, offer invaluable insights into the power dynamics of the past.