Anonymous Follis c. 976 - 1035

Editor: Here we have an Anonymous Follis from the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, and the imagery is heavily worn. What statements about power and identity do you think this coin makes? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the intersection of religious iconography and imperial authority within the Byzantine Empire. Consider how the image, likely Christ, is used to legitimize the ruler's power. How might ordinary people have interpreted and engaged with this image daily? Editor: So, the act of using the coin becomes almost a devotional act? Curator: Precisely. It’s a constant negotiation of faith and state, a silent dialogue embedded in everyday exchange. This coin, therefore, becomes a powerful site for understanding Byzantine identity. Editor: That's fascinating. I'll definitely look at currency differently from now on! Curator: Indeed. It's a potent reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense cultural and historical weight.