Follis of Nikephoros III, Constantinople 1078 - 1081

Curator: This is a follis of Nikephoros III from Constantinople. Editor: It appears heavily weathered, but there's a potent aura to it, like it holds a thousand untold stories within that verdigris. Curator: It's fascinating to consider how this coin represents the intersection of power, identity, and religious symbolism during Nikephoros III's reign. These types of coins were designed to spread propaganda and legitimize his rule. Editor: Absolutely. Note the figure, likely the emperor himself, flanked by stars, and the intricate cross on the reverse. These weren't simply currency; they were potent symbols meant to evoke authority, divinity, and Byzantine cultural identity. Curator: And the coin itself, beyond its symbolic weight, also signifies the economic and social structures of Constantinople at the time. A piece of everyday life for some, but a marker of imperial power for all. Editor: It is amazing how such a small object encapsulates so much history and symbolism. It gives us a unique window into the world and anxieties of its time. Curator: Indeed, by examining the historical context and symbolic language embedded within it, we understand much more about Byzantine society. Editor: Exactly. There is something deeply moving about this ancient coin still carrying echoes of long-lost empires.