Imitation of a Follis of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: What strikes me about this coin is its solemn weight. It feels like it holds an immense history, worn smooth by the passage of time. Editor: Indeed. This is an imitation of a follis of Justin I from Constantinople. It weighs about 12.9 grams. The symbolic weight of currency then, like now, transcends mere monetary value. Curator: Absolutely. The image of Justin I, though faded, still projects authority. And on the other side, the large "M" likely represents a denomination, perhaps a mark of economic stability. Editor: Or, perhaps, a reassurance during less stable times. Imitation coins often circulated when official currency was scarce or mistrusted. The symbols become loaded with both official and subversive meanings. Curator: A fascinating point. It shows how power dynamics extend even to the most commonplace objects. This coin isn't just money; it’s a statement about rulership and trust. Editor: Precisely, and the study of its imagery can teach us so much about economics, politics, and life in Constantinople.