Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 591 - 592

This coin of Maurice Tiberius, now residing in Harvard, is a small but powerful artifact. On one side, we see the emperor's face, a symbol of authority and divine right, while the other displays a prominent 'M', likely for Maurice, intertwined with a cross. Such iconography echoes across centuries, with rulers embedding religious symbols to legitimize their power. Consider how the cross, initially a symbol of sacrifice, became a marker of imperial dominance, appearing on Byzantine flags and royal seals. This appropriation reveals how symbols evolve, adapting to new contexts. Think about the psychological impact of seeing one's ruler paired with a sacred symbol. It’s a calculated connection, subconsciously embedding the idea of divine favor. This coin isn't merely currency, but a cultural carrier. It reveals the constant negotiation between power, religion, and the collective psyche across time.