Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Curator: Here we have a Half-Stavraton, a coin designed by Manuel II, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs just 3.59 grams. Editor: Its worn surface and the simplicity of the design give it a palpable sense of history, of lives touched and trades conducted. Curator: Absolutely. Manuel II, in minting this coin, was not just creating currency but also projecting Byzantine power and identity during a tumultuous period. Think about the messaging—who is represented, and how? Editor: The use of silver, though common, still speaks volumes. It reflects both economic realities and the symbolic value placed on precious metals, considering labor, mining, trade routes, and the economy of the time. Curator: I see it as a statement, a potent symbol of imperial authority in a time of decline. It’s a narrative of resilience against the backdrop of Ottoman expansion. Editor: The weight and dimensions underscore the precious metal's scarcity, speaking to socio-economic conditions. Curator: Indeed. A small object, but it represents immense cultural and political weight. Editor: A tangible fragment reflecting history's complex dynamics. Curator: Precisely, a reminder of the past's enduring relevance.