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

Editor: This is a Large follis of Anastasios I from Constantinople. It's made of a humble metal, and it looks like it's been through a lot. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about production and consumption in its time. Notice the wear, suggesting circulation amongst laborers, merchants, maybe even soldiers. The material itself, likely a copper alloy, reflects the empire's economic reach and the availability of resources. Editor: So, it's less about the emperor's image and more about the coin's function? Curator: Precisely. The coin’s value wasn't just symbolic, but embedded in the material and the labor it represented. It connects directly to the social and economic life of Constantinople. What do you make of the 'M' and other symbols on the coin? How might those have affected its perceived value or function? Editor: That’s a really interesting perspective; I never thought about it that way before! Curator: Considering its materiality changes how we value history.