Coin of Justin II c. 565 - 578

Editor: Here we have a coin of Justin II. Given its patina, I'm wondering what its story is. What can you tell me about its context? Curator: Well, coins like this were vital tools for projecting imperial power. Consider the imagery: Who is represented, and what message does that send to the Byzantine populace and beyond? Editor: So, it’s more than just currency; it's propaganda? Curator: Precisely. The Emperor used these images to shape perceptions of his reign, to cement legitimacy, and to signal his power both within the empire and to external entities. How might the distribution of these coins affect social relationships? Editor: I hadn’t thought about how broadly impactful something so small could be. Curator: These coins are little time capsules, reflecting the complex political and social currents of their era. Each coin presents an opportunity to reflect on the past.