Follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a Follis of Anastasios I, from Constantinople. Editor: It looks small, well-worn. The material feels almost… humble? But the imagery is bold. Curator: Indeed. The "M" on one side is quite prominent; it represents the denomination of 40 nummi. And, of course, the emperor's portrait on the obverse. Editor: So, beyond mere commerce, it's also a propaganda piece, circulating the Emperor's image and, thus, authority. Was this common practice? Curator: Absolutely. Coinage was a primary method of disseminating imperial power throughout the Byzantine empire. The material itself, base metal, reflects the economic realities. Editor: It is an interesting confluence of imperial ambition and the everyday realities of trade. Curator: Precisely. This coin reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry immense political and economic weight. Editor: Thanks to this little coin, we get a small glimpse into a much larger world.