Coin of Justinian I c. 548 - 549

Curator: Here we have a "Coin of Justinian I," held in the Harvard Art Museums, weighing just over 20 grams. It's a fascinating object. Editor: The worn texture of this coin immediately grabs me. You can almost feel the weight of history, the countless hands it passed through. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these were vital tools in projecting imperial power. They standardized images, circulated widely, and reinforced Justinian’s authority. Editor: And the material itself—the copper alloy—speaks to production methods and the vast networks required to mint coinage on this scale. It connects us to the labor and raw materials of the time. Curator: Precisely. The imagery, though faded, signifies Justinian's aspirations of restoring the Roman Empire. This little object did so much. Editor: It’s amazing how a humble coin can unlock layers of understanding about trade, power, and the very fabric of society. Curator: Absolutely, a small token with a large story. Editor: A tangible piece of the past.