Pentanummium of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: This is a bronze Pentanummium, or five nummi piece, struck in Constantinople during the reign of Justin I. Editor: It looks like something a pirate might carry. Worn and mysterious, yet holding a trace of its former importance. Curator: The piece is small, just 2.45 grams. One side bears what appears to be a stylized portrait of the emperor, while the other probably depicts a Christian symbol. Editor: Symbols...hidden histories whispered across centuries. What did owning this little coin mean to people then? What hopes and fears did it carry? Curator: Coins were designed to convey legitimacy and power. Its imagery echoes the symbolic language understood by those within its cultural sphere. Editor: I'm left wondering how much this coin could buy. Food, safety, a moment of fleeting joy. It's all gone now, but we're still here talking about it. Curator: Indeed. It's a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can bear witness to a vast historical narrative.