Half Follis of Anastasios I, Nicomedia 498 - 518

Curator: There’s something inherently melancholic about these ancient coins; this "Half Follis of Anastasios I, Nicomedia," speaks of empires and lives long gone. Editor: Absolutely, the wear tells a silent story of exchange, both economic and cultural, during Anastasios I's reign. It makes me think of societal power structures. Curator: The coin depicts Anastasios, the emperor, but it's the reverse side that I find more compelling: a clear symbolic representation of power through the Chi-Rho symbol. Editor: Yes, but what does it tell us about the societal implications of intertwining religious symbols with imperial authority? Curator: Well, Anastasios was strategic, consolidating power using familiar religious iconography, which suggests a degree of continuity. Editor: A continuity that served specific power interests, enforcing an established order. The coin embodies an entire system. Curator: It is remarkable how a small object can hold and transmit such complex ideas and legacies. Editor: Indeed, an artifact that invites critical engagement with histories of identity, religion, and authority.