Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 585 - 586

This coin was issued by Maurice Tiberius, an emperor of the Byzantine Empire, and now resides at Harvard. The worn copper surface is patinated with a green hue, attesting to its great age and history. The images on either side are encircled by the raised edge, creating a clear boundary. One side presents a bust of the emperor, while the reverse bears a monogram. These elements are more than mere decoration. The bust serves as a symbolic representation of authority, while the monogram, a combination of letters, is a complex visual sign. Such symbolism on coinage was a sophisticated form of visual communication. It was designed not only to convey immediate information about the ruler but also to assert and reinforce political power. It's a reminder that art is always embedded in a network of cultural and historical meanings.