Large Follis of Anastasios I, Constantinople c. 498 - 518

Curator: This is a Large Follis, a Byzantine coin, dating back to the reign of Anastasios I in Constantinople. It's quite small, but dense. Editor: It appears aged, its surface texture speaking volumes about its journey through time. The material looks like worn bronze. Curator: Coins like this were crucial for trade and governance in the Byzantine empire. The weight, about 16.7 grams, was carefully controlled for economic stability. Editor: Notice the portrait on one side, likely of Anastasios himself, which speaks to the power dynamics and the role of imagery in political messaging. Curator: Indeed, the inscription and the "M" symbol, representing the denomination of 40 nummi, reveal the mechanics of imperial administration and economic exchange. Editor: It's remarkable how such a seemingly simple object embodies the intersection of labor, material value, and the socio-political landscape of its time. Curator: Absolutely, it allows a glimpse into the intricacies of the Byzantine world. Editor: A small token offering an invaluable history lesson.