Asper of Manuel I of Trebizond c. 1237 - 1263

Editor: Here we have the Asper of Manuel I of Trebizond. Its diminutive size is quite striking. What can you tell us about the historical context of such a coin? Curator: These coins weren't just currency; they were powerful tools of visual propaganda. How do you think this imagery projected Manuel I's authority? Editor: I guess having his image on the coin gave him a kind of omnipresence. Curator: Exactly! Circulating these images throughout the empire reinforced his legitimacy and power, shaping public perception and solidifying his rule. I find it quite fascinating how a simple object like this can be so revealing about the politics of the time. Editor: I had never thought of it that way! This has really changed my view on art's role.