Anonymous Follis c. 1030 - 1042

Editor: Here we have an Anonymous Follis. Given its age and function, I'm struck by how it served as both a piece of currency and a symbol of authority. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin is a testament to the power of imagery in shaping political and religious ideologies. Consider how the depiction of Christ on one side and the cross on the other were used to legitimize Byzantine rule. How effective do you think these symbols were in conveying power? Editor: They seem like bold statements, even in miniature. Thanks, that really gives me a new perspective! Curator: Indeed, it’s a reminder of how art, even in the most mundane objects, reflects larger socio-political forces.