Coin of Justinian I c. 534 - 565

Curator: This coin, attributed to Justinian I, speaks volumes about power, identity, and representation in the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It's tiny! But the impression is huge, like holding a little universe of ambition in your hand. Curator: Indeed. Justinian’s reign was marked by significant legal reforms and military expansions, all legitimized through carefully crafted imagery. Editor: I wonder what it felt like to carry that around, knowing you were carrying the emperor’s face – almost like a talisman. Curator: Consider the context: this wasn't just about money, it was about solidifying Justinian's position as divinely ordained ruler. Editor: Right. It’s not just an economic token but an emblem of something much larger than commerce. It makes me think about the stories that objects carry, silent witnesses to history. Curator: Absolutely. It highlights how numismatics can inform our understanding of socio-political dynamics of the era. Editor: This little coin certainly got me thinking about the weight of power, then and now.