Anonymous Follis c. 1065 - 1070

Curator: This is an Anonymous Follis, a small bronze coin housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Its dimensions are quite petite, weighing just over 7 grams. Editor: It’s striking how weathered it is, yet the central images still hold such presence. The dark patina lends a certain gravity. Curator: Indeed. The incised lines delineate form and meaning. Observe the careful placement of the figures within the circular plane. Editor: Absolutely. The coin represents more than monetary value. Its imagery reflects the religious and political power of its time. Imagine the hands it passed through, the transactions it facilitated. Curator: And the visual language it spoke! Every line, every figure communicates meaning. This coin condenses a worldview into a single, tangible object. Editor: Considering its age, the fact that it’s survived makes me think about value—cultural, historical, and artistic value. It's a powerful testament to faith and commerce. Curator: Precisely, a compact and profound expression of its era.