Coin of Justinian I c. 527 - 538

Curator: This is a coin of Justinian I, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, dating back to his reign. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small, unassuming object speaks volumes about power and identity. It's almost like a miniature propaganda piece, isn't it? Curator: Precisely. Coins like these were critical in disseminating Justinian's image and solidifying his authority throughout the Byzantine Empire, especially in the context of his aggressive legal reforms. Editor: I'm struck by the materiality—the bronze itself and the labor involved in minting each coin. It was a deliberate choice. Curator: Absolutely, and the depiction of Justinian, although stylized, projects an image of strength and imperial legitimacy, reflecting his self-fashioned role as restorer of the Roman Empire. Editor: Thinking about the networks these coins created, the trade and exchange they facilitated, is almost overwhelming. Curator: Indeed. It makes you consider the coin as more than just currency; it’s a potent symbol of social control and economic exchange. Editor: Seeing this coin really underscores the significance of these everyday objects as active participants in history.