Coin of Justinian I, Antioch c. 532 - 537

Editor: Here we have a bronze coin of Justinian I from Antioch, dating back to antiquity, weighing in at 16.44 grams. It's fascinating how the wear and tear speaks to its history of circulation. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I see this coin not just as currency, but as a product of labor. The extraction of the metal, the die-making, the striking of the coin - each stage involves a network of workers, reflecting the economic and social structures of the time. The coin's value stems not just from imperial decree, but from the labor invested in it. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. So, you're saying the coin’s significance lies beyond its face value? Curator: Precisely. By studying the materials and production processes, we gain insights into the power dynamics and the everyday lives of people within the Byzantine Empire. Editor: That really changes how I look at it. It's like a tiny, tangible piece of economic history.