Coin of Justin II c. 574 - 575

Curator: Here we have a coin of Justin II, a Byzantine Emperor. Look closely; it's more than just currency; it embodies an era of complex social and political dynamics. Editor: It's so worn. You can feel the history just by looking at the patina and the way the details have faded. What materials were typically used for these coins? Curator: Usually, these coins were crafted from bronze, and its production was a carefully controlled process. They were made using die-striking, which ensured consistent imagery for imperial propaganda and identity. Editor: Interesting, it really reflects how a ruler projects their image. On one side, we see the rulers, but the other side seems to show the mark of the city. How interesting to think of it as material evidence of imperial power and identity. Curator: Precisely! And examining its circulation can reveal trade routes, political influences, and even cultural exchanges of the time. Editor: This coin tells us so much about the hands it passed through. Curator: Absolutely, material and image become a testament to its time.