Coin of Justinian I c. 539 - 540

Editor: This is a bronze coin, attributed to Justinian I. It looks worn, but you can still make out the imagery. I wonder what the statement was that Justinian was making with this object? Curator: It’s fascinating to consider how power is mediated through these objects. Justinian's image on currency reinforces his authority, yes, but also the Byzantine Empire's claims of divine right. How does this coin, in its material and symbolic form, shape our understanding of imperial power dynamics? Editor: So, its value extends beyond its monetary worth? Curator: Precisely! Think about the messages embedded within the iconography and consider how gender, class, and religion intersect within Byzantine society. Editor: It seems like a small coin holds so many complex layers. Thank you for helping me understand it. Curator: It's a starting point for a broader discussion about the legacies of power.