Half Follis of Anastasios I c. 498 - 518

Curator: Immediately, I'm drawn to the texture. It looks almost corroded, yet the details of the figure are still discernible. Editor: This is a Half Follis of Anastasios I, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. This coin, like others, served as both currency and a powerful symbol of imperial authority. Curator: The composition is quite interesting. Notice how the profile portrait on the obverse is framed by the circular edge? The artist uses line and form so cleverly here. Editor: Absolutely, and it's crucial to remember these images were circulated widely, shaping public perception of the emperor and reinforcing hierarchies of power. This was mass media! Curator: I agree. The materiality is also intriguing; the weight of 5.03 grams is so small, but held so much symbolic power. Editor: Indeed, understanding its societal role helps us see beyond its metallic composition. It reminds us that everyday objects can be potent agents of political messaging. Curator: It's interesting to consider the interplay between form and function, isn't it? Editor: Yes, and reflecting on its past helps us understand how objects, even coins, can shape narratives.