Follis of Phocas, Thessalonika 

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Phocas from Thessalonika. It's a worn coin, seemingly made of bronze. The imagery is quite degraded but still visible. What strikes me is how the degradation of the material itself becomes part of its story. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The wear and tear are indeed integral. Note the circular format, typical for currency. Observe the incised lines and symbols, consider their arrangement and the subtle relief. What patterns do you discern? Editor: I see a face on one side and what looks like Roman numerals on the other. It seems that even in its worn state, there are still visible details. Curator: Precisely. Consider how the artist used the limited space and medium to convey power and authority. The coin's value now lies not in its monetary worth, but in its form and the story it tells through its very structure. Editor: I never thought about a coin that way before. It really is a small sculpture! Curator: Indeed. The object transcends its original function and becomes a testament to the power of form.