Follis of Phokas, Antioch on the Orontes 607 - 608

Editor: Here we have a bronze Follis of Phokas, minted in Antioch. Its worn surface speaks of age, and it’s so small! What stands out to you about it? Curator: These images act as a cultural shorthand. The emperor and perhaps a co-regent stand facing, symbols of authority but also perhaps anxiety around legitimacy, given Phokas's rise to power through usurpation. Editor: Usurpation? Curator: Yes. The imagery attempts to project stability, but the very presence of these coins also hints at the fragility of power. The coin’s wear tells a silent story about its journey through time. Editor: It’s amazing how such a tiny object can contain so much history and meaning. Curator: Indeed, symbols are powerful tools, capable of shaping perceptions and even influencing the course of history.