Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Curator: Here we have a coin of Justinian I, weighing 22.1 grams. Editor: It feels worn, weighty with the passage of time and imperial ambitions. Curator: Note the meticulous detail. On one face, the profile of Justinian himself, encircled by what appears to be a beaded border. The other side features a large "M" denomination between two figures. Editor: Yes, but this isn't just currency, it's propaganda. Justinian's face, even on this small scale, projects imperial power. The coin served as a constant reminder of his rule, shaping public perception, especially during the Nika riots. Curator: The medium itself—the metallic composition and the relief—lends a tactile quality to the Emperor’s image. The wear on the coin only enhances the texture, emphasizing its physical presence. Editor: The material itself is an assertion of wealth extracted from labor and land. Think of the social inequality that allowed for such an artifact to exist! Curator: It is truly remarkable how such a small object can be so dense with meaning. Editor: Absolutely. It's a poignant reminder of the Byzantine Empire's complex social and political landscape.