Tremissis of Anastasios I c. 491 - 518

Editor: Here we have a Tremissis of Anastasios I, a small gold coin. Its condition speaks volumes, doesn't it? What can you tell me about it? Curator: The production and distribution of this coin reveal the economic and political systems at play. The value of the gold itself, the labor involved in its extraction and crafting, all become significant points of inquiry. Consider how it facilitated trade, legitimized power, and circulated as a commodity. Editor: It's incredible to think about its journey, from the mine to someone's pocket. Curator: Exactly. It invites us to explore the social relations embedded in its creation and use, challenging notions of inherent artistic value. A coin is not just a coin; it's a record of material exchange. Editor: I've never thought about it that way! Curator: Materiality shapes meaning, and coins offer a unique lens onto the historical forces of production, exchange, and consumption.