Half Follis of Justin II, Nicomedia 572 - 573

Editor: This is a Half Follis of Justin II from Nicomedia. Its worn surface makes me wonder what stories this coin could tell. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin offers a glimpse into the Byzantine world, specifically the reign of Justin II. How does the imagery on the coin reflect or reinforce the power structures of the time? Editor: I'm not sure. It just looks like old money. Curator: Precisely! Coins like this were tools of imperial propaganda, circulating not just currency but also messages of legitimacy. Think about the figures depicted—who do they represent, and what do their attributes suggest about imperial authority? Editor: So it's not *just* money; it's also a political statement. Curator: Exactly. And considering the coin's journey through time, what does its current worn condition tell us about the instability of power and the erosion of empires? Editor: I never thought about a coin carrying so much history and commentary. Thanks! Curator: It's a fascinating way to consider the intersection of power, representation, and material culture!