Follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: Here we have a follis coin of Anastasios I, originating from Constantinople. It’s a bronze piece, a tangible link to the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It looks incredibly worn, yet the remaining details tell a story of power etched into humble metal. I can almost feel the weight of history pressing down. Curator: Exactly. The portrait on one side represents Anastasios himself, while the other displays a large "M," indicating its value as 40 nummi. This object speaks volumes about economic and imperial power structures. How did material culture shape social stratification? Editor: The coin's degradation is fascinating. It shows the transformation of a meticulously made object into something shaped by daily usage, eroded by countless hands. It makes me consider the labor of those who mined, smelted, and struck these coins. Curator: Absolutely, and its purpose! Not just currency, but a propaganda tool, disseminating the emperor's image and authority throughout the empire. Consider the implications of its circulation within marginalized communities. Editor: The wear and tear add so much depth. It becomes a beautiful record of interactions, transactions, and the slow grind of time. I find that far more compelling than pristine perfection. Curator: It's a potent reminder that the smallest objects can hold the most complex narratives. Editor: Indeed, and that even in fragments, the material world can speak profoundly of our human existence.