Half Follis of Maurice Tiberius, Nikomedeia c. 592

This is a Half Follis coin of Maurice Tiberius, minted in Nikomedeia during his reign as Byzantine Emperor. It's made from bronze, a common metal in the late Roman world, reflecting both the empire's vast reach and its economic constraints. The coin provides a window into the construction of imperial identity. On one side, we see Maurice Tiberius, depicted in the formal attire of an emperor. The other side features a large 'K', indicating its value. This coin was a tool of power, circulating his image and authority throughout the empire. What is particularly fascinating is how this object encapsulates the intersection of power, identity, and daily life in the Byzantine Empire. It served a fundamental economic function, while visually representing the emperor. The coin is a reminder of the complex relationship between rulers and the ruled, and the symbolic weight even the smallest objects can carry.