Follis of Tiberius II, Constantinople c. 579

Curator: Here we have a Follis coin, created under the reign of Tiberius II in Constantinople. Editor: It looks worn and quite humble actually; I am struck by how much history it holds in such a small form. Curator: Indeed. Its creation served the practical purpose of legitimizing his rule through distribution and controlled iconography. Editor: I see a stylized portrait—the linear quality combined with the circular format is beautifully balanced. Curator: What I find fascinating is how the image of the emperor served to assert not only his own power, but also the power of the Byzantine state itself. Editor: Absolutely, the coin’s very design broadcasts symbols of authority. It is a fascinating interplay of power and aesthetics. Curator: Thinking about its original circulation, it is a wonderful example of the intersection between art, politics, and daily life. Editor: It is remarkable how such a commonplace object can encapsulate so much about a bygone era.