Follis of Phocas, Constantinople 

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Phocas, a bronze coin originating from Constantinople. It resides in the Harvard Art Museums collection. The coin itself weighs a mere 13.53 grams. Editor: It’s got this beautiful, weathered look, like something pulled right from the earth. I feel the weight of history in it. Curator: As a form of propaganda, coins like this were critical in establishing the emperor's image and power in the Byzantine Empire. Editor: So, this little coin was like a miniature billboard, shouting “Phocas is in charge!”? I love the idea of these travelling symbols of power. Curator: Indeed. It's a fascinating glimpse into how regimes communicated legitimacy. Editor: It really makes you think about what objects today will carry our stories forward. Curator: An intriguing question—one this coin has certainly inspired.