Solidus of Justinian II, First Reign c. 692 - 695

Editor: Here we have a gold coin, a Solidus of Justinian II. Considering that it is from his first reign, I imagine the process of minting these coins was pretty standardized. What can you tell us about this specific material and the means of production? Curator: This coin highlights the fascinating relationship between power, materiality, and labor. The intrinsic value of gold itself signified wealth and control. Minting these coins involved a complex process and skilled labor, reflecting the Byzantine empire's economic strength. The images themselves are not just decoration; they are ideological statements carefully pressed into circulation. Editor: So, it's not just about the images on the coin, but about what the coin *is* and what it represents economically and socially? Curator: Precisely. The material, its production, and its circulation are all interconnected, speaking volumes about the society that created it. It's a potent material object. Editor: I'll definitely think of coins differently now.