Gepid? or other North Balkan Imitation of a Thessalonike Solidus of Justinian c. 6th century

Curator: This is an intriguing object – a presumed Gepid or other North Balkan imitation of a Thessalonike Solidus of Justinian, part of our numismatic collection. Editor: The coin has an austere aura; the crude workmanship in its relief is quite striking and feels rather... foreboding. Curator: Exactly! This piece gives us insight into the economics and power dynamics of the 6th century, highlighting the Gepid's attempt to participate in the broader Mediterranean economy. What does it mean for a political entity to imitate the coinage of an empire? Editor: It speaks volumes about the influence of the Byzantine Empire and the social aspirations of these groups, doesn't it? Imitation as a form of aspiration, maybe? Curator: Precisely! The materiality of gold itself tells a story of resource extraction, trade routes, and the symbolic weight of wealth and power during Justinian's reign. Editor: This makes me think about the politics of imitation and the way identity is shaped by external influences. A complex story in such a tiny, weighty object.