Follis of Constans II, Constantinople 

Editor: This is a Follis of Constans II from Constantinople, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like a small, worn coin. I'm curious, what stories does this object tell beyond its monetary value? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the Byzantine Empire under Constans II. Consider its imagery, likely imperial portraits or religious symbols. How do these images reinforce the Emperor's authority and project power to the masses? Editor: So, it’s less about the literal value of the coin and more about its symbolic role? Curator: Precisely. Think about how the coin circulated. Who saw it? What messages did it convey about the empire's stability and cultural values? Editor: That's a different way to look at ancient coins; I never considered the cultural impact of the imagery. Curator: Indeed, it's a window into the socio-political landscape of Byzantium.