Anonymous Follis c. 976 - 1035

Curator: This is an Anonymous Follis, currently held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: At first glance, the patina evokes a sense of timelessness. The textures and subdued palette are striking. Curator: Indeed. On one face, we see the bust of Christ, while the reverse is inscribed with text. The composition is quite balanced, even with the evident wear. Editor: The imagery of Christ resonates deeply. The halo, the cross, the direct gaze—all powerful symbols of faith and authority during its time. Curator: Precisely, and the arrangement of the text on the reverse employs a structural grid, giving order to the inscription. Editor: For me, the real intrigue lies in its anonymity. Whose hands did this pass through? What stories could it tell? Curator: It’s a testament to form meeting function, a beautiful object mediating faith and daily life. Editor: So, a humble coin opens up a window into history and belief—quite remarkable.