Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, exact date unknown. The wear and tear suggest a rich history. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: These coins are fascinating artifacts of power and ideology. Consider the figure depicted— likely Justinian himself— and how that image was circulated. What does it mean to have the emperor's face, quite literally, in the hands of the people? Editor: So, it’s not just money; it’s propaganda? Curator: Exactly! Currency like this wasn't merely transactional. It was a visual representation of imperial authority, deeply embedded in the social fabric. It prompts us to consider the intersection of economics, politics, and visual culture. Editor: That's a really insightful perspective. I'll never look at old money the same way. Curator: Indeed, these coins remind us that even the smallest objects can hold profound narratives about power, representation, and the shaping of collective identity.