Coin of Maurice Tiberius c. 593 - 594

This bronze coin, now residing at Harvard, was issued by Maurice Tiberius, a figure who reigned as Byzantine Emperor from 582 to 602 AD. During his reign, he faced numerous challenges, including wars and internal conflicts. The coin offers us a glimpse into the intersection of power, identity, and representation in the late Roman world. On one side, we see the image of the emperor himself, rendered in a style that asserts his authority and divine right to rule. On the other side, the large "M" probably represents the coin’s value. These types of coins, beyond being mere instruments of trade, also served as potent symbols of the state, communicating messages of political and economic stability. In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, the image of Maurice Tiberius struck on this coin speaks to the enduring power of symbols.