Follis of Tiberius II, Nicomedia 581 - 582

Curator: This is a Follis of Tiberius II, struck in Nicomedia. Its worn surface speaks volumes. Editor: It has an austere quality, doesn't it? The patinated bronze, the flattened relief... a feeling of compressed history. Curator: Indeed. Look closely; on one side, you can see the image of Tiberius, adorned and holding symbols of power. The reverse shows a large "M," a Byzantine denomination mark. Editor: The linear precision within such a small space is striking. The 'M', flanked by smaller script, creates a visual balance, almost a stoic stillness. Curator: Coins are fascinating cultural artifacts, reflecting the aspirations and visual language of an empire. The symbols themselves are a form of propaganda, reinforcing the emperor's divine right to rule. Editor: The coin embodies a micro-universe of meaning, literally imprinted on its surface. It's a testament to the power of visual communication, even across centuries. Curator: Absolutely. It's a tangible link to a distant past. Editor: A material encounter with time, power, and representation.