Follis of Constans II, Constantinople 642 - 643

Curator: Before us, we have a Follis of Constans II, hailing from Constantinople. What strikes you first about its materiality? Editor: Immediately, the crude forms and corroded surface speak of its age and perhaps the turbulent times in which it was circulated. It feels weighty, both literally and metaphorically. Curator: Indeed, this coin offers a glimpse into the reign of Constans II and the economic and political landscape of the Byzantine Empire. We can understand its significance through its imagery and value. Editor: I'm drawn to the abstract quality of the figures and symbols. How the arrangement on such a small scale dictates a certain visual language, almost like a codified message. Curator: Absolutely. This object is a window into power dynamics, trade routes, and the everyday lives of people under Byzantine rule. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry immense historical weight. Editor: Yes, and the way those abstract forms interact creates an interesting visual rhythm. It makes me think about the semiotics of power, and how it gets translated and disseminated.