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

Curator: Here we have a Large Follis of Anastasios I, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The coin, quite weathered, presents two distinct sides. Editor: It looks heavy, burdened by the weight of history. The profile portrait on one side feels stern, almost accusatory. Curator: Precisely. Notice the deliberate composition: The portrait on one face contrasts sharply with the imposing "M" on the reverse, flanked by stars. A clear duality is presented. Editor: I see a symbol of power—the Emperor—offset by the mundane—currency and trade. It speaks to the complex relationship between rulers and the ruled, particularly during economic shifts. Curator: You read it through a lens of power dynamics; I see instead the skillful employment of iconographic language. The "M," likely denoting value, is elevated through its artistic rendering. Editor: Still, this follis whispers of economic policies and social structures. It's more than just artistry; it's a tangible link to a specific time and place. Curator: An intriguing convergence of form and historical context. Editor: Indeed, a compelling object lesson about economics and politics.