Decanummium of Maurice Tiberius c. 582 - 602

This bronze coin, a Decanummium, bears witness to the reign of Maurice Tiberius, an emperor of the Byzantine Empire. On one side, we see the dignified visage of the emperor himself, while the reverse displays a cross. The cross, of course, is a powerful symbol of Christian faith. But consider how such motifs migrate and evolve. The cross, initially a symbol of sacrifice, becomes an emblem of imperial authority, adorning coins and palaces alike. We see this adoption and adaptation of symbols across cultures and epochs. Now, think about the faces stamped on coins throughout time, from antiquity to modern day. They represent power, leadership, and the weight of history. In a psychoanalytic sense, these faces tap into our collective memory, evoking deep-seated emotions related to authority. These symbols—the emperor's face, the Christian cross—have been potent forces in shaping individual and collective identities. Their enduring presence is a testament to their ability to tap into the depths of the human psyche. They are continually reborn, each time with a new layer of meaning.