Follis of Constantine VII, Constantinople 945 - 950

Curator: This Byzantine coin, a Follis of Constantine VII, offers us a tangible link to 10th-century Constantinople. Editor: Immediately, I sense a profound weight, a literal and metaphorical impression left by history itself. Curator: Indeed. As currency, these Folles facilitated trade and represented the emperor's authority, disseminating his image and power. Editor: I'm intrigued by the patina, the worn surfaces—they tell a tale of countless transactions, of human hands shaping and clutching it across centuries. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery, though now faded, originally featured imperial symbols affirming the Basileus's divine mandate and projecting stability. Editor: So, it’s more than just money; it’s propaganda. This little coin embodies the intersection of economics, politics, and artistic expression. Curator: Precisely. And seeing it here, now, prompts us to reflect on the enduring allure of power and the subtle ways it manifests across time. Editor: It's a reminder of the narratives etched into objects, whispering stories of civilizations past. Fascinating.