Coin, Ostrogothic? 

Editor: This is a coin, likely Ostrogothic, by Justin I. It's small, almost unassuming, yet I wonder what significance the material, its composition, might hold? What are your initial thoughts on its design and execution? Curator: The coin's circular form, dictated by its function, presents an interesting canvas. The worn texture, the patina of age, is crucial. Note how the incised imagery, despite degradation, still adheres to principles of hierarchical scale. Editor: Hierarchical scale? Curator: Observe the presumed portrait; its relative size on such a limited surface communicates power. The deliberate use of metal, the choice of its alloy, invites inquiry into the symbolic weight of its materiality. Editor: So, beyond its monetary value, the coin's design elements speak volumes. Curator: Precisely. Each formal decision, material choice, contributes to a complex visual language. Editor: I never considered how much a small object could convey. Curator: Formal analysis allows us to decode this silent discourse.