Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 584 - 602

This coin, weighing 13.74 grams, was minted during the reign of Maurice Tiberius, a pivotal period in Byzantine history. The coin offers a glimpse into the socio-political landscape of the late 6th century, when questions of power, religious authority, and cultural identity were deeply intertwined. On its surface, the coin depicts imperial figures whose representation was subject to the cultural norms and religious beliefs of the time. This relates to our understanding of leadership and the construction of power through imagery. Coins like this were not mere currency but instruments of ideology, designed to convey messages of legitimacy, strength, and divine favor. The imagery emphasizes an emotional or experiential aspect of governance, linking the ruler to the spiritual well-being of the empire. The coin invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between art, power, and identity in the Byzantine world, recognizing the enduring influence of these dynamics on our present.