Coin of Justinian I c. 542 - 543

Editor: This is a bronze coin of Justinian I. It's pretty beat up, but I can still make out the emperor's face on one side and what looks like a large "M" on the other. What do you make of it? Curator: The imagery on this coin speaks volumes. Consider the emperor's depiction – haloed, armored. These aren't just identifiers; they're potent symbols. What sort of message do you think Justinian intended to convey? Editor: Power, maybe? The halo makes him look almost divine. Curator: Precisely. And the "M" is a numeral representing the coin's value. But consider the cross above it – a symbol deeply entwined with Justinian's reign. The coin isn't simply currency. It's a statement of imperial authority and divine favor, interwoven. Editor: So, even something as small as a coin can be a powerful tool for communication? Curator: Indeed. Symbols persist, shaping collective memory. This coin reminds us how images transmit cultural values across centuries.