Follis of Justinian I, Constantinople 538 - 539

Curator: The Follis of Justinian I, hailing from Constantinople, offers a fascinating glimpse into Byzantine economics and imperial representation. Editor: Its worn texture and the verdigris speak volumes; the coin’s materiality underscores its historical weight. Curator: Absolutely. The image of Justinian, holding a globus cruciger, isn't just a portrait; it's a statement of power, legitimizing his reign through divine sanction. Editor: I'm drawn to the composition—the deliberate centering of the emperor's figure creates a striking visual order and clarity of design. Curator: It’s interesting to consider how everyday objects like this coin became instruments of imperial ideology, shaping perceptions of power and identity for centuries. Editor: Indeed, the symbolic order of the coin reflects and reinforces social hierarchies. I find it quite intriguing. Curator: Seeing this artifact makes you consider the narratives these coins carry of past political and cultural forces. Editor: And its materiality, the very substance of the coin, connects us viscerally to the past.