Anonymous Follis c. 1042 - 1050

Editor: Here we have an Anonymous Follis from the Harvard Art Museums, and it looks pretty weathered. It's like holding a tiny piece of history in your hand. What do you see in this piece that I might be missing? Curator: This coin whispers stories of Byzantine power. That wear and tear? That's countless transactions, perhaps even someone's daily bread. Notice the depiction of Christ? It's a statement, a blend of faith and finance. What do you think it meant to the people using it? Editor: I guess it was more than just money; it was a symbol. I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly! It's easy to forget the potent symbolism embedded in everyday objects. It makes me wonder what our currency says about us. Editor: Wow, I'll never look at a coin the same way again!