Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Justinian I. It's small, worn, but feels heavy. The marks of labor are clearly visible. What do you make of this object? Curator: Considering its production, the coin embodies the power dynamics of the Byzantine Empire. The very materiality of bronze speaks to state control over resources, labor, and trade. It's not just an image of Justinian; it's a testament to the administrative reach required to mint and circulate currency. Editor: So, the coin's value lies in its creation and circulation, not just its representation? Curator: Precisely. The coin reveals a whole network of extraction, production, and distribution, all under imperial control. It makes you wonder about the miners, metalworkers, and merchants involved. Editor: I'm now viewing it as a product of collective effort! Curator: Exactly! We move past just admiring a ruler, and start thinking about the many hands that shaped the world this coin comes from.