Follis of Anastasios I c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a Follis of Anastasios I, a coin minted during his reign, and now held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s striking how worn it is; the bronze speaks volumes about its journey through history. Curator: Indeed, the wear only amplifies its symbolic weight. The emperor's profile, though faded, still evokes the power and authority he wielded, as does the prominent Christian symbol. Editor: I'm drawn to the process of minting—the labor, the societal value placed on this small object, the deliberate act of distributing an image to control and facilitate trade. Curator: And the image itself becomes a potent symbol, resonating across cultures and eras, laden with religious and political significance. Editor: It’s a reminder of how even the smallest, most utilitarian objects can be incredibly revealing about past societies. Curator: Precisely, the coin whispers stories of faith and power. Editor: And speaks volumes about economic and craft history.