Follis of Justin I, Constantinople c. 518s

Curator: Here we have a Follis coin of Justin I, struck in Constantinople. What's your first impression? Editor: Well, it looks like it's been through a lot. The wear and tear speak volumes—literally handled by countless hands, witnessing daily transactions, maybe even fortunes changing. Curator: Absolutely. It's more than just a coin; it's a tangible link to the past, to the very hands of people who lived and breathed in Constantinople. Think of the labor that went into mining, refining, and striking it! Editor: And who profited? What were the working conditions? I'm always fascinated by what everyday objects can reveal about social structures. Curator: Me too. For me, it’s that portrait—a face staring out across the centuries. What was he like, this Justin? Did he ever imagine his likeness would survive like this? It's kind of magical. Editor: Magical perhaps, but also calculated. Currency is a tool of power. Its production and distribution controlled to promote certain social hierarchies. Curator: True. Still, holding this coin, you almost feel a connection, a shared humanity across time. Editor: I agree, it does makes you think about the stories of the people involved in making it. Curator: Yes, and that's why it's so special. Editor: A great way to think about it.