Coin of Phokas c. 602 - 603

Editor: This is a coin of Phokas, and its weight is 4.87g. The worn surface intrigues me; it feels like holding a story. What symbols do you see embedded within it? Curator: I see layers of power and authority represented. The portrait on one side reflects the emperor's self-image, meant to project strength. The symbols on the other side might connect to specific ideologies he wanted to promote. What feelings do those symbols evoke? Editor: A sense of mystery, really. It's hard to decode their exact meaning across the ages. Curator: Precisely. The ambiguity is key. Symbols shift in meaning, reflecting cultural changes and the evolution of power itself. Editor: That’s fascinating; I'll definitely look at artifacts differently now. Curator: I'm glad to have shared my perspective. It's a great reminder of how we can reinterpret our past.