Half Follis of Constans II, Carthage 647 - 659

Curator: The Half Follis of Constans II, a bronze coin weighing just over five grams, was struck in Carthage. The imagery presents a complex set of symbols. Editor: It looks worn, doesn't it? The patina is lovely, a rich green-brown that speaks of age. The circular shape is softened, almost organic. Curator: Coins like these were not just currency; they were miniature billboards. Constans II used them to project power and legitimacy during a turbulent reign. Editor: I'm struck by the contrast between the crisp lines of the central cross on one side and the almost barbaric depiction of the ruler on the other. Curator: Yes, the cross underscored the Byzantine empire's Christian identity while the portrait conveyed imperial authority, a direct link between the emperor and the divine. Editor: Even in its corroded state, the craftsmanship hints at a sophisticated understanding of relief and texture. What stories this small object could tell. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even mundane objects can carry profound cultural and political weight.