Coin of Justinian II c. 705 - 711

Curator: Immediately striking! So much authority conveyed in such a small space. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is a gold coin of Justinian II currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s fascinating how wealth and power were communicated through portable objects. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery of Christ on one side, and Justinian with his son Tiberius on the other, cements the divine right of kings. The cross they hold together symbolizes unity. Editor: That unity is, of course, propagandistic. Justinian II was known for his brutality and political instability. The coin attempts to mask this through visual rhetoric. Curator: Perhaps. But the consistent use of these symbols, cross and imperial portraits, reinforced a cohesive cultural memory regardless of political realities. Editor: Fair enough, though it's vital we unpack the intended message against its real-world effects. This coin offers a glimpse into the intersection of power, faith, and visual culture. Curator: It’s a testament to the endurance of symbols, then and now. Editor: Agreed. A tiny object, but it tells a grand story.