Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: Before us is the Stavraton of John V, a coin weighing a mere 8.47 grams, now residing within the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkable how such a small object carries so much weight, historically and symbolically. It has an almost somber, ethereal quality. Curator: Indeed. Note the carefully delineated figures on each face, contained within circular fields. The incised lines dictate both form and value. Editor: Considering the historical context, it's a potent reminder of the Byzantine Empire's struggles during John V's reign. Currency, then as now, reflected power and legitimacy. Curator: Precisely. The coin’s materiality, its composition and design, speaks directly to the emperor’s intent—a visual declaration of sovereignty and faith. Editor: And perhaps also a desperate attempt to maintain control amidst political and economic instability. This coin whispers tales of resilience and survival. Curator: Yes, the intersection of form and historical contingency grants it an almost talismanic quality. Editor: I agree; it's fascinating how this tiny object encapsulates such grand narratives.