Anonymous Follis c. 1050 - 1060

Curator: This is an Anonymous Follis, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums collection, a small, weighty thing made of metal. Editor: The texture is compelling; the worn surface speaks of countless hands, the low relief creating a tactile invitation. Curator: Indeed, the imagery on the coin carries symbolic weight. One side presents a figure, likely Christ, holding a book, perhaps representing the Gospels, and bestowing a blessing. The other bears inscriptions. Editor: The visual balance is striking, isn't it? The figure is centered, almost symmetrical, framed by the circular form. The inscription, too, is neatly organized. Curator: Consider the cultural context. Coins weren't just currency; they were miniature billboards, disseminating religious and political ideologies throughout society. Editor: Yes, and that small scale amplifies its importance. Every design choice matters when space is so limited. Curator: The survival of this coin offers a tangible link to the past, connecting us to belief systems and economic realities long gone. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how much meaning can be contained within a tiny object.