Follis of Constantine X Ducas, Constantinople 

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Constantine X Ducas, from Constantinople. Editor: It looks like it's been through a lot. The patina suggests age and wear. I wonder what hands it passed through? Curator: The coin's design, though degraded, reveals much about Byzantine artistry. Note the careful composition and the symbolic weight of the emperor's effigy. Editor: I’m intrigued by the traces of verdigris. Do they symbolize decay, or do they reflect the enduring story of power structures and their impact? Curator: The verdigris disrupts the design but adds to its textural richness. It introduces an element of chance, contrasting with the original intent. Editor: Yes, it reminds me of how the narratives of those without power often fade, leaving traces in the margins, much like the verdigris. Curator: A thought-provoking observation! It enriches my understanding of this numismatic object. Editor: And seeing it, I feel even more connected to the distant past.