Coin of Justinian I c. 546 - 547

Editor: So, this is a coin of Justinian I. It looks like it’s made of bronze. I’m struck by its worn texture; it feels like it holds so many stories. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin, seemingly insignificant, speaks volumes about power, identity, and the control of narrative. Consider how Justinian's image, stamped onto currency, permeated every level of society. How does this relate to contemporary debates around representation and the power of visibility? Editor: That's fascinating. It's almost like early propaganda. Curator: Precisely. And examining the coin's material—its degradation over time—forces us to confront the ephemerality of power and the enduring impact of systemic forces on even the smallest object. What do we learn when we see the cracks in this coin? Editor: I guess it reminds us that nothing, not even empires, lasts forever. Thanks, that really puts it in perspective.