Coin of Justinian I c. 527 - 538

Curator: Here we have a gold coin minted during the reign of Justinian I, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks so small and worn, yet radiating with enduring significance. You can tell the coin has been places. Curator: Absolutely, its imagery speaks volumes. Notice the depiction of Justinian himself, surrounded by imperial regalia – a clear statement of power and divine right. Editor: The materials, the gold itself, speaks just as loudly. Consider where the gold came from, who mined it, and the labor involved in striking this seemingly simple object. It's a potent symbol of wealth extraction and control. Curator: Indeed. The coin also shows the figure of Victory holding a cross, which reflects the intertwining of the Roman Empire and Christian symbolism. This reinforces the emperor's role as both a political and spiritual leader. Editor: And what about the wear? Each scratch and abrasion tells a story of circulation, of countless transactions and interactions across borders. It is a unique record. Curator: Yes, the coin is a potent carrier of cultural and political memory. Editor: Exactly, it links the power of the image to the reality of its material existence. Curator: A fascinating intersection to ponder. Editor: Indeed, it gives us a tangible link to the past.