Coin of Justinian I c. 540 - 541

Editor: This is a coin of Justinian I, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels weighty with history. What significance did these coins carry beyond their monetary value? Curator: Indeed! These weren't just currency. Consider the portrait – it's a statement of imperial power and divine authority, crucial in a time of vast social and political shifts. How does the image reinforce or challenge existing power structures? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way. It's interesting to think of it as propaganda. Curator: Precisely! This coin becomes a tool for shaping perceptions and solidifying Justinian's image, telling a story of stability and order, particularly relevant given the societal upheaval of that era. Editor: So, it's more than just a coin, it's a piece of the puzzle to understanding that world. Curator: Exactly. It's a lens into the ideologies of the Byzantine Empire.