Copper Follis or Tornese of John VII

Editor: Here we have a Copper Follis or Tornese of John VII. It's striking how this humble coin, worn with age, once held significant economic and symbolic power. What can you tell me about its function within its historical context? Curator: Consider the coin as a piece of propaganda, widely distributed and handled. What messages did John VII want to convey through the imagery on this coin? How might this mass-produced imagery shape public perception and solidify his rule? Editor: So, it's not just a medium of exchange, but also a medium of influence? That's fascinating! Curator: Precisely. Coins like this reveal the intricate relationship between art, power, and the public. What do you think this object’s presence in a museum does for its ongoing life? Editor: It adds a new layer of interpretation! Curator: Indeed!