Decanummium of Justinian I, Ravenna 552 - 562

Curator: Looking at this coin, the "Decanummium of Justinian I, Ravenna," one can't help but notice the echoes of power and authority it carries. Editor: It looks aged and weathered, like something you'd find buried in your backyard. I feel strangely connected to the past when I look at it. Curator: Absolutely. It's more than just currency; it's a piece of propaganda, speaking volumes about Justinian’s reign and its self-representation. It's also an emblem of the Byzantine Empire's complex interplay between church and state. Editor: So, this wasn't just about buying bread; it was about buying into the idea of Justinian, as a ruler blessed, even ordained. Like a little portable billboard for the Emperor. Curator: Precisely. Its function extends beyond economics. It’s a testament to the symbolic weight objects can hold. Editor: What a reminder that even the smallest things can carry such a heavy history.