Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 583s - 593s

This bronze coin, now residing at Harvard, bears the name of Maurice Tiberius, who ruled the Byzantine Empire from 582 to 602 AD. Its creation speaks to the vast historical and cultural landscape of the late antique world. As an object of currency, this coin offers insight into the economic and social structures of the Byzantine Empire. The images, likely imperial symbols, project power and authority. But consider, too, the hands through which this coin passed, from merchants and soldiers to farmers. Each individual’s story is a thread in the vast tapestry of history. This coin serves as a tangible connection to a bygone era, bridging the gap between our time and the world of Maurice Tiberius.