Follis of Constantine VII, Constantinople 945 - 950

Editor: Here we have the Follis of Constantine VII from Constantinople. This coin, though small, feels weighty with history. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, it’s a tangible piece of the Byzantine Empire, isn't it? Consider the power dynamics inherent in its creation. Who controlled the mint? Whose image was deemed worthy of circulation? The coin functioned as propaganda, projecting authority and legitimacy, but also participating in everyday exchange. It speaks volumes about who was valued and who was not. Editor: So, it’s more than just currency? Curator: Exactly. It reflects the empire’s social structure, religious beliefs, and economic systems. It reminds us to question whose stories are told and whose are erased in the narratives of power. Editor: That’s a really important perspective. I’ll never look at a coin the same way again.