Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 584 - 585

This coin of Maurice Tiberius, wherever it was minted, would have been made with some kind of die. What I find beautiful is how worn it is, how the process of circulation has weathered it. It’s like a painting that’s been loved and handled. Look at the texture, the subtle gradations of brown and copper, the raised areas that catch the light and shadow. Imagine the hands that have held this coin, the transactions it has facilitated, the stories it could tell. It’s a tangible link to the past, a little sculpture that speaks of power, trade, and daily life. The details on the coin, although worn, reveal the skill of the artist. The portrait of Tiberius on one side, the bold "M" marking its value on the other, each element carefully considered and executed. It reminds me of the work of Agnes Martin, in how humble materials can evoke so much feeling, and how the conversation around art continues.