Coin of Phokas c. 607 - 608

Curator: Let's discuss this fascinating artifact, a coin minted during the reign of Phokas. Consider the social and political implications of its imagery. Editor: Its worn copper surface evokes a tactile sense of history. I’m curious about the minting process itself and the workers who shaped it. Curator: Absolutely. It’s crucial to understand how Phokas, an emperor who came to power through a military coup, utilized coinage as propaganda. The image of him standing alongside a religious figure signifies legitimacy. Editor: The use of copper, a relatively base metal, also speaks volumes. It reflects the economic realities and perhaps even anxieties of Phokas's reign. How widely circulated was this currency, and what was its impact? Curator: Precisely. And note the inscription framing the figures. It functions as a direct address to the populace. The coin is not simply currency but a concentrated symbol of power and ideology. Editor: It’s amazing how much we can learn from such a humble object. Considering its materiality, it reveals a story beyond just economics. Curator: Indeed, it’s a small window into the complexities of Byzantine power, faith, and identity. Editor: I agree. Examining the coin from this angle changes the way one thinks about the everyday object.