Follis of Justin I, Nicomedia c. 6th century

Curator: This is a Follis of Justin I, minted in Nicomedia. Notice the emperor's portrait. Editor: It's amazing how much detail they achieved on something so small and worn. I wonder about the skill and labor involved in die-making. Curator: These coins were tools of imperial propaganda, circulating images of the ruler and reinforcing his authority across the empire. Editor: Right, but consider the metal itself. The copper alloy would have been relatively accessible, crucial for mass production and wider distribution of the message. Curator: Certainly, availability mattered. The coin represents both political power and the practical economics of disseminating that power. Editor: Exactly. Seeing the wear, I'm reminded of all the hands this coin has passed through and the lives it touched. Curator: A potent reminder of the intersection of art, power, and everyday life. Editor: A small object, with enormous historical and social significance.