Pentanummium of Justinian I 538 - 565

Curator: This is a Pentanummium of Justinian I, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such a stark, weathered presence. The rough texture speaks to the history it has seen. Curator: Absolutely. These small bronze coins were produced during Justinian's reign. Consider the labor involved in the mining and minting of this currency. Editor: And the social context. Currency embodies power dynamics, class, and the economic systems of the Byzantine Empire. Its distribution and usage reflects so much about society. Curator: The coin’s materiality is fascinating. What was the symbolic value of bronze? How did its weight influence trade and daily transactions? Editor: This coin echoes the rise and fall of empires. It's a potent reminder of the lives that intersected with its use. Thank you for offering such insight. Curator: A great way to bring history to life.