Large Follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: Look at this Large Follis, a bronze coin issued during the reign of Anastasios I in Constantinople. The weight is around 18 grams. Editor: It's striking how even in such a small object, you feel the weight of empire. The patina gives it a very ancient feel. Curator: Indeed. Notice the emperor's portrait. How does it align with the larger historical narrative of the time? Consider the power structures it implies. Editor: The figure is framed by text, very traditional. The "M" on the reverse, flanked by stars, really grounds the coin in a symbolic language of wealth and celestial power. Curator: Certainly. It speaks to an assertion of imperial might, connecting earthly rule with the divine, at a time of shifting political and religious landscapes. Editor: Thinking about coins as a vehicle for both commerce and propaganda is fascinating. Each symbol, each element, plays a crucial role. Curator: It's a potent reminder of how even the smallest objects can reveal complex social and political narratives. Editor: Definitely, I'm seeing that this little coin is actually a huge historical document.