Follis of Romanos I, Constantinople 931 - 944

Editor: This is a Follis of Romanos I, from Constantinople. The craftsmanship feels ancient, and I’m struck by the dense inscriptions. What do you see in its structure? Curator: The coin's circular form, deeply stamped with iconography and text, presents a fascinating study in constrained space. Notice how the patination obscures and highlights certain areas, altering our perception of the original design. Editor: That's so interesting. I hadn't considered how the wear changes the visual impact so much. Curator: Indeed. Consider how the arrangement of the inscription balances with the figurative representation. It is a compact system of signs. Editor: Thanks, seeing it as a system of signs really shifts my perspective. Curator: Mine as well. It is the arrangement that gives rise to significance, and to our dialogue.