Half follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a half follis coin of Anastasios I, ruler of the Byzantine Empire from 491 to 518 AD. It's an artifact that speaks volumes about the politics and economics of the time. Editor: There's a somber, weighty feel to it, isn’t there? The copper is weathered, marked by time. I’m struck by the image of the Emperor on one side and a large "K" with a cross above it on the other. Curator: The "K" represents 20 nummi, a denomination of Byzantine currency. It reflects Anastasios's monetary reforms to address corruption and stabilize the empire's finances. Editor: So it's not just a pretty face—literally!—but a symbol of systemic change. I wonder how this reform impacted the everyday lives and social mobility of those under his rule. Curator: Coins like this were critical tools for communicating the emperor’s image and projecting power throughout the vast Byzantine territories. Editor: Reflecting on this coin, I see a tangible link to complex economic and social forces of the era. Curator: Exactly, and that's what makes it such a compelling artifact for understanding that period.