Anonymous Follis c. 1042 - 1050

Editor: This is an Anonymous Follis, a coin without a specified date or ruler, from the Harvard Art Museums. It feels ancient and worn. What significance do you see in this particular coin's imagery? Curator: The imagery is a palimpsest of belief, isn't it? The figure of Christ, heavily stylized, becomes an icon, a window into the divine. And the inscriptions? They're not just words; they're invocations, spells almost, meant to protect and empower the owner. How do you think this layering of symbols affected the coin's value beyond its monetary worth? Editor: So, it's not just money; it's a piece of portable faith. That’s fascinating! Thanks! Curator: Indeed. Every mark, every image holds echoes of a culture's deepest hopes and fears. A tiny universe in your hand.