Coin of Justinian I c. 546 - 547

Curator: This is a coin of Justinian I, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. It seems quite small, yet incredibly detailed. Editor: It’s remarkable how something so unassuming could embody the weight of an empire. The patina of age gives it such a tangible connection to the past. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this weren't just currency, they were powerful propaganda. The image of Justinian I, with his crown and cross, projects divine authority. Editor: And the "M" on the reverse? I understand that indicates the coin's value, but it also feels like a symbolic anchoring—money as the foundation of power. Curator: Precisely. It highlights the Byzantine state's control and reach, influencing not just the economy but also the visual landscape and the collective mindset. Editor: It's a reminder that art and power have always been intertwined, even in the smallest of objects. Curator: Indeed. This coin whispers volumes about the art of imperial control. Editor: A lasting imprint on minds and pockets, long after the empire's fall.