Follis of Romanos I, Constantinople 931 - 944

Curator: Here we have the Follis of Romanos I, from Constantinople. Quite humble, isn't it? Editor: Indeed. It's easy to overlook, but the patina tells a long story, doesn't it? All that wear and tear hints at so many transactions, so many lives touched by this little piece of copper. Curator: Exactly! Think of the hands it passed through, each with its own story. It feels almost like a tiny, metallic poem. Editor: And speaking of poetry, the minting process itself would have been a complex negotiation of labor, resources, and imperial authority. It's a small object, but dense with social and economic history. Curator: I’d agree. It’s funny how such a little thing can hold so much meaning. Editor: Absolutely, a material testament.