Coin of Justinian I c. 527 - 565

Editor: Here we have a gold coin of Justinian I. Considering how small it is, it seems to carry a lot of weight. What do you see in this piece? Curator: More than currency, it's a potent symbol of power and identity. The Emperor's image, deliberately circulated, projected authority throughout the Byzantine world. How did this object shape perceptions of leadership, gender, and even divinity? Editor: So it’s like propaganda in my pocket? Curator: Precisely. Consider how this single coin participated in broader narratives of imperial dominance and societal control. What impact did this have on the masses? Editor: That’s a lot to think about for something so small. It's fascinating how material objects can embody such complex histories.