Anonymous Follis c. 1060 - 1065

Curator: This is an Anonymous Follis, a coin of unknown date, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: Its worn texture and subdued, earthy tones evoke a strong sense of antiquity. Curator: Indeed. The imagery and inscriptions embedded on this small bronze object tell a powerful story about economics and Byzantine society. Editor: Absolutely. The incised figure on one side, framed by what appears to be a halo, and the elaborate design on the reverse, contribute to the coin's visual richness. Curator: As a symbolic object, it represents the intersection of power, faith, and daily life, which is embedded in the socio-political history of that era. Editor: I agree; the coin's design clearly conveys authority and religious ideology, but its tactile quality draws me in further. Curator: Well, studying this object allows one to connect abstract concepts to physical forms. Editor: And for me, I feel a deep appreciation for the ingenuity of its creation.