Follis if Justin I, Constantinople c. 518s

Curator: Before us is a Follis of Justin I, from Constantinople, held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I see a tangible link to history, yet the wear speaks of countless exchanges, a silent witness to a bygone era. Curator: Precisely. Coins like these served not only as currency but also as imperial propaganda. This one, issued during Justin I's reign, broadcasts the emperor's power through its imagery. Editor: I notice the prominent "M". It's interesting how the "M" for 40 nummi became a lasting symbol of value, transcending the immediate economic function. Curator: The image of Justin I himself, although worn, reminds us that leadership was deliberately tied to visual representation. Editor: It's a powerful reminder that even the smallest artifacts can hold immense cultural and historical significance. Curator: Indeed. The Follis provides a glimpse into the economic and political structures of the Byzantine empire. Editor: And prompts us to think about how we encode value and power in our own symbols today.