Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Curator: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It appears quite worn; the surface is heavily patinated, yet there is still a clear, forceful impression. Curator: Indeed. These coins, circulated widely during Justinian's reign, served not only as currency, but also as propaganda. The image of the emperor projected power and legitimacy. Editor: The strong lines forming the "M" on the reverse suggest a structured system, perhaps reflecting the administration of justice and fiscal control—emphasizing imperial stability. Curator: Precisely. The state used these coins to communicate imperial ideology to diverse populations throughout the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It's remarkable how much meaning such a small, unassuming object could carry, especially in a time when visual communication was paramount. Curator: It really underscores the emperor's commitment to consolidating both political and economic control. Editor: Studying such simple art reframes our understanding of an era. Curator: Absolutely, such objects shed light on how power speaks even through the most mundane of mediums.