Coin of Justinian I c. 547 - 548

Curator: Looking at this coin, I'm struck by its intimate scale and the way it feels worn by time. There's a real weight to its history. Editor: Indeed. This is a coin of Justinian I, a tangible symbol of Byzantine imperial power and its complex relationship to civic life. Curator: The choice of imagery is fascinating. Justinian's portrait, encircled by inscriptions, juxtaposed with what appears to be a large 'M'. It speaks volumes about the construction of imperial identity. Editor: Yes, the "M" likely represents the denomination of the coin, but within Byzantine culture, it becomes more than just currency, a potent symbol of wealth distribution and imperial influence. Curator: Considering its circulation, imagine the hands it passed through! From merchants to soldiers, this coin connects us to a diverse range of experiences in late antiquity. Editor: Reflecting on the coin's materiality, its survival is also remarkable. It stands as a subtle yet powerful reminder of how deeply embedded political and economic systems are in shaping social and cultural histories.