Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Curator: Here we see a bronze coin, minted during the reign of Justinian I, a weighty piece at nearly 25 grams, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It possesses an almost ghostly quality, doesn't it? The patina of age softens the images, giving it a sense of mystery. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these served not only as currency but also as propaganda, circulating the emperor's image and authority throughout the Byzantine Empire. Editor: The cross above the large "M" on one side would have been a potent symbol, reinforcing Christian belief, while the ruler's portrait conveyed power through its very presence. The iconographic program is quite direct, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely, and the standardization of coin imagery, including the weight and metal content, reflects Justinian's efforts to centralize power and stabilize the empire’s economy. Editor: Gazing at this coin, I imagine countless transactions, each a tiny affirmation of faith and imperial control. It really speaks to the enduring power of symbolic representation. Curator: Yes, and through its very survival, it continues to tell us about the forces that shaped the Byzantine world.