Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 601 - 602

This copper coin, made during the reign of Maurice Tiberius, speaks volumes about the modes of production and power structures of its time. Minted through a process of die-striking, where a design is hammered onto a metal blank, its creation depended on skilled labor. The coin's material and manufacturing aren't just about utility, they reflect social and cultural significance. The coppery hue, the weight of 12.51 grams, and the detailed imprints of imperial symbols would have conveyed a message of imperial authority. These objects, churned out in vast numbers, are testaments to complex logistical and economic systems. They prompt us to reflect on the labor, resources, and political power intertwined in the creation of even the most humble-seeming objects. So next time you see an ancient coin, remember it's more than just pocket change; it's a portal into another world.