Anonymous Follis c. 976 - 1035

Editor: This is an Anonymous Follis, a coin from an unknown date. The artist is also anonymous. What strikes me is how much information is packed into such a small object. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s remarkable, isn’t it? The image of Christ, for instance, isn't just a portrait. It evokes an entire theological framework. How does the inscription on the reverse relate, do you think, to the image on the front? Editor: Perhaps it’s a claim to authority? Divine right, maybe? Curator: Precisely. The coin becomes a powerful symbol of both spiritual and earthly power. It served as both currency and propaganda, shaping perceptions and reinforcing cultural memory. Editor: I hadn't considered its role in shaping cultural memory. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. The layers of meaning embedded within it are truly fascinating.