Anonymous Follis c. 1030 - 1042

Curator: Oh, fascinating! The first impression is how worn this piece appears; it's quite small, almost secretive, isn't it? Editor: This "Anonymous Follis," held at the Harvard Art Museums, is a bronze coin, likely Byzantine, though the precise dating is unknown. What’s striking is how much symbolic weight it carries. Curator: Absolutely. Look at the iconography on the coin. On one side, we see an image of Christ, haloed. The other face showcases a cross. It’s a potent blend of imperial authority and Christian symbolism. Editor: The wear tells a story of circulation. Each imperfection is a record of transactions, of faith passed from hand to hand, almost like physical prayer. Curator: Exactly! The symbols become more profound when we consider the psychological comfort this coin might have offered its user, a small reassurance of the divine in everyday commerce. Editor: It prompts you to wonder: what stories could this little coin tell if it could talk? I feel this piece represents a connection to something greater. Curator: Ultimately, the Follis reminds us how images, even on humble objects, can serve as powerful cultural touchstones.