Follis of Constans II c. 7th century

Curator: The 'Follis of Constans II,' residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents as a humble, aged artifact. I'm immediately drawn to its pitted surface and the contrast between the dark metal and the brighter teal corrosion. Editor: There's an almost haunting quality to it, isn't there? These symbols, though worn, hint at layers of history and power. Curator: Observe how the geometric precision of the central figures—perhaps imperial portraits or religious symbols—are juxtaposed with the coin’s irregular shape. Note, too, how the patination emphasizes texture. Editor: The presence of Constant II suggests authority, while the cross references religious legitimacy. It reminds us how intertwined those concepts were. These images were powerful symbols of belonging and faith. Curator: Indeed. The material itself—a base metal—suggests a wider circulation amongst the populace, a functional object carrying potent imagery. Its current damaged state lends another layer to its narrative. Editor: It's fascinating to consider how much cultural weight this small object once carried and continues to carry, as we interpret it anew. Curator: Precisely, making it a compelling object of study for both its structural integrity and historical relevance.