Tremissis of Anastasios I c. 491 - 518

Curator: Here we have a Tremissis, a small gold coin, of Anastasios I. Editor: It's so tiny! The craftsmanship, even on this scale, is quite striking. The way the light catches... Curator: The coin served as a crucial tool in the Late Roman economy. Its material value and symbolic imagery reinforced the emperor's power. Editor: Yes, the image of the emperor crowned on one side, and a figure on the other – the composition is so classical. Curator: The production of these coins—the mining of the gold, the labor of striking the metal—tells a story of power and resource management. Editor: It's remarkable how much visual weight such a small object carries. A tiny monument, really. Curator: Absolutely, and considering the historical context, it makes you appreciate the complexity of trade, influence and societal norms it represents. Editor: I agree entirely. Looking closely at the design and the luster of the gold provides quite a rich viewing experience.