Coin of Phokas c. 607 - 610

Editor: Here we have a gold coin of Phokas. It's small, but the imagery is striking. What does this coin tell us about the emperor’s public image? Curator: Coins are fascinating because they were mass-produced and widely circulated. Phokas's image on the coin, holding a cross, was a deliberate attempt to project authority and piety, influencing public perception. Editor: So it's propaganda, of sorts? Curator: Precisely! And consider where this coin circulated. It wasn't just about individual wealth; it was about controlling the narrative within the Byzantine Empire. The gold itself signifies wealth and power. It asks, "Who benefits from art?" Editor: That's a good question. It gives a new perspective on art's role in ancient societies. Curator: Indeed! It prompts us to consider the public function of art and the power of imagery in shaping history.