Follis of Constantine VII, Constantinople 914 - 919

Curator: Here we see a Follis of Constantine VII, a coin from Constantinople, now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Its patinated surface and eroded details give it such a weighty, historical presence, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. The imagery, though faded, speaks volumes. The cross, for example, a powerful symbol of faith and imperial authority during Byzantium. Editor: I'm struck by the almost grid-like pattern on one side. It's a very deliberate composition, even in miniature. The texture invites close inspection. Curator: Indeed. The script, though difficult to decipher now, would have communicated specific messages about Constantine VII's reign. Each element contributes to the narrative. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small object can carry so much cultural weight, reflecting shifts in power, faith, and artistic expression. Curator: It reminds us that even the smallest artifacts can unlock grand stories. Editor: A poignant lesson about the past embedded in this single coin.