Half Follis of Justinian, Constantinople 

Curator: Here we have a "Half Follis of Justinian, Constantinople" – a fascinating artifact minted during Justinian I's reign. It's small, about the size of a dime. Editor: It looks so worn, like it’s carrying the weight of centuries. All that verdigris makes it look otherworldly almost, like something dredged up from the bottom of the sea. Curator: That patina speaks to its journey. Coins like this weren't just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda. Imagine the stories this little bronze disc could tell about Constantinople's markets and politics. Editor: You can almost feel the ambition in it, despite its humble appearance. Justinian clearly wanted to leave his mark, literally. Even on the smallest denomination. Curator: Absolutely, it's a tangible link to a complex past, a reminder of how power and identity were circulated and consumed in everyday life. Editor: Thinking about it, coins are history made miniature, and I can't help but feel the weight of time just looking at it.