Follis of Tiberius II, Cyzikus 

Editor: This is a Follis coin of Tiberius II, Cyzikus. The details are worn, but I can still make out some figures. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: This coin offers a tangible link to the Byzantine Empire under Tiberius II. Think about the role of coinage: It’s not just currency, but also propaganda. What messages might the Emperor be trying to convey through its imagery and circulation? Editor: So, it’s not just about the economy but about power as well. Are these images important because this ruler wanted to connect with the people? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the workshops that produced these coins, and the distribution networks that spread them throughout the empire. The Follis visually represented authority and economic stability. We see how art, even in this small form, was used to shape public perception and reinforce imperial power. Editor: That's fascinating. I never thought of a coin as a form of public art before. Curator: Right? By studying the coin, we gain a deeper understanding of Byzantine society, its values, and how power was maintained through visual culture.