Anonymous Follis c. 1042 - 1050

Curator: There's a solemn weight to this small artifact. It's an anonymous follis, meaning it's a coin of small denomination, and we don't know who produced it. Editor: The cross dominating one side conveys a clear message, and the figure on the other—likely Christ—further reinforces the symbolic power radiating from this object, despite its size. Curator: Its circulation speaks volumes about the economy and society of its time; coinage served as a powerful tool for disseminating political and religious ideologies. Editor: Precisely. The imagery would have been instantly recognizable, a constant reminder of faith and imperial authority in daily transactions. Curator: And the wear tells its own story, doesn't it? Passed from hand to hand, witnessing countless exchanges and perhaps journeys. Editor: It's a tangible link to cultural memory, reminding us how potent symbols can be in shaping belief and behavior. It makes you wonder who held it last!