Half Follis of Justin I, Nicomedia 518 - 527

Curator: Here we have a Half Follis of Justin I, minted in Nicomedia. Editor: The patina on this coin speaks volumes; it's a reddish-brown that almost seems to whisper tales of its journey. It's small, but potent. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this reflect the complex power dynamics of the Byzantine Empire, revealing the intersection of imperial authority and economic control. Justin's image, even in this worn state, was a form of propaganda. Editor: And the symbol on the reverse—the Chi-Rho—immediately conveys the rise of Christianity as a dominant force. It speaks of a deep, transformative shift in cultural values, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely. The coin served not only as currency but as a potent symbol of Justin's legitimacy as a Christian emperor, legitimizing his rule and aligning it with religious ideology. Editor: It's humbling to hold something so weighted with history. Curator: It really puts it into perspective.