Anonymous Follis c. 1075 - 1080

Curator: Here we have an anonymous follis housed at the Harvard Art Museums. This coin, though its creator is unknown, offers a glimpse into its era. Editor: It feels weighty, doesn’t it? Not just in grams, but in history. The wear and tear speak of hands it has passed through, and the lives it has touched. Curator: Precisely. Its imagery, including the cross and figures, reflects the socio-political power of the Byzantine Empire and its religious underpinnings. Its creation undoubtedly served to legitimize the ruling powers. Editor: Absolutely. But beyond its political intent, I see a symbol of resilience. Even worn, its message endures, prompting us to question its role in shaping identities and power structures then, and even now.