Follis of Justinian I, Thessalonica 564 - 565

Curator: Isn't it remarkable how an object so small can speak volumes? This is a Follis of Justinian I, hailing from Thessalonica. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its worn texture. It feels like holding a fragment of time itself, a tangible echo of a distant empire. Curator: The Byzantine "M" is so prominent, isn't it? In Greek numerals, it represents the number 40, indicating the coin's denomination. And above, you'll see a small cross, a ubiquitous symbol of the era. Editor: Yes, symbols like that cross worked as an ideological stamp. It's also fascinating how the ruler's effigy, though worn, conveys authority and perhaps an aspiration towards divine favor. Curator: It’s incredible to think about the hands this little coin has passed through, the transactions it facilitated. Editor: A silent witness, indeed. Holding this, I feel connected to those ancient marketplaces, the bustling streets, and the hopes and anxieties of everyday people. Curator: It’s a poignant reminder that even the grandest empires are built on the smallest of exchanges. Editor: Absolutely. And in its modest form, this follis holds a monumental story.