Follis of Anastasios I c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a Follis of Anastasios I, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the politics and economy of the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It's incredible how much wear it has, and yet the imagery still stands out. The patina gives it a wonderful depth. Curator: Absolutely. It's a tangible connection to a complex historical period. Anastasios I's monetary reforms had far-reaching consequences for trade and social structures. Editor: The relief on each side also provides a nice contrast in texture. Curator: Indeed. The formal elements on this coin—the imagery and inscription—were carefully designed to project power and legitimacy. Editor: Looking at it now, it makes me wonder about the hands it passed through and the stories it could tell about trade routes and social inequality. Curator: Precisely. It's more than just a coin; it's a window into the past. Editor: A beautiful convergence of form and function.