Copper Follario of Roger II of Sicily c. 1130 - 1154

Curator: Up next, we have a Copper Follaro, a coin that was designed by Roger II himself. Editor: It's incredible how much history and power can be held in something so small. You can almost feel the weight of it, both literally and figuratively. Curator: Absolutely. As a copper coin, it reflects the realities of its time, a deliberate choice to circulate widely. Editor: Exactly. It speaks to the hands that passed it around, the daily commerce that fueled Roger’s kingdom. This wasn't some precious metal flaunted for its own sake. Curator: Copper, a democratic material for a ruler who, perhaps, understood something about the subtle power of accessibility. It makes you wonder about the stories it carries. Editor: It certainly does. It’s a tangible link to the past. Even now, it reflects light, telling a different story each time you look.