Follis of Constantine VII, Constantinople 914 - 919

Editor: Here we have a Follis of Constantine VII from Constantinople. It's quite small, but I’m struck by how much information it holds. What can you tell us about the public function of a piece like this? Curator: This coin was less about individual artistry and more about projecting imperial power. Consider how it circulated, carrying Constantine's image and legitimacy into everyday transactions. How might its design have been influenced by political needs and social values? Editor: So, it's a form of propaganda in a way? Curator: Precisely. The choice of imagery, the inscription – all served to reinforce the emperor's authority and connect him to divine favor in the eyes of the Byzantine public. I wonder how effective it was. Editor: That makes so much sense. I hadn’t thought about its place in the Byzantine economy and its role in shaping public opinion. Curator: Coins offer a fascinating window into the intersection of art, politics, and society.