Follis of Justin I, Constantinople 518 - 527

Curator: Here we have a Follis of Justin I from Constantinople. Editor: Immediately, I notice how time has softened its details, yet that grand "M" still dominates the reverse side. Curator: Indeed. Considering this coin was a primary mode of economic exchange, its material tells a story of imperial administration and the labor involved in minting such currency. The creation of this coin involved mining resources and skilled craftsmanship. Editor: And those designs—the emperor’s profile, the symbols—weren’t just decoration. They conveyed power and legitimacy, deeply embedded in the coin's form. Curator: Absolutely, and the circulation of these coins would have impacted people's lives across the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It’s remarkable how the weight and size of this coin could impact a person in the ancient world. Curator: Seeing it this way is a reminder of the tangible realities behind history. Editor: A fascinating insight into its historical impact.