Copper Follis of Bohemond II of Antioch c. 1119 - 1130

Curator: Here we have a Copper Follis of Bohemond II of Antioch. Editor: It looks like something you'd find buried in a pirate's chest! It's so weathered and mysterious. Curator: Indeed. It gives us a direct link to Bohemond II, a Crusader prince in the 12th century. The symbols used on the coin were chosen to convey power, faith, and legitimacy. Editor: The portrait on one side—that's Bohemond himself, right? Even in this state, it suggests authority. Almost timeless, in a way. Curator: Possibly. The cross on the reverse reinforces the Christian identity of his rule, a vital message in the Crusader states. These objects were more than currency; they were declarations. Editor: It’s incredible how a small piece of metal can carry such heavy cultural weight. Curator: That's the power of symbols; they resonate across time. Editor: Exactly. I find it poignant that something so tangible connects us to a distant, fascinating past.