Coin of Justinian I c. 540 - 541

Curator: Here we have a coin issued during the reign of Justinian I. Look closely and you'll see the patina of age on its surface. Editor: It feels ancient and weathered, like a lost story waiting to be told. The verdigris gives it this otherworldly, ethereal quality. Curator: Yes, the coin speaks volumes about power and authority. The image of Justinian connects directly to Roman imperial traditions of projecting leadership. Editor: And the large "M" – a symbol of value, really – dwarfed by the cross above, is a fascinating juxtaposition. Makes you wonder about the economics of faith. Curator: Precisely. These symbols are deliberately placed. The cross asserts the dominance of Christianity within the Byzantine Empire. Editor: History compressed into a small, tangible object. It's incredible, isn't it? Curator: It really is. Symbols echo across centuries, whispering to us about beliefs, power, and legacy. Editor: Makes you think about the weight of a single image and how much it can carry across time.