Large Follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a Large Follis of Anastasios I from Constantinople. Looking at it, I’m immediately struck by its worn condition. Editor: Yes, you can really see the labor that went into minting and circulating a coin like this, it's a tangible connection to that past. Curator: And it tells a story, doesn't it? Coins were not just currency, but tools of imperial propaganda. The image of Anastasios I would have been a constant reminder of his power. Editor: Absolutely, and as we examine this coin, we also see the power dynamics at play. Who had access to this currency? What social strata did it serve? Curator: Considering its materiality and circulation really gives us a glimpse into the economic structure of the Byzantine Empire. Editor: Indeed, it humanizes the narrative of empire, reminding us that coins, however small, played a crucial role in the lives of everyday people.