Basilicon of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Editor: Here we have the Basilicon of Andronikos II. It's small, metallic... sort of worn down. What can you tell me about its social context? Curator: Well, its worth lies beyond just bullion value. Consider the labor: mining, smelting, striking... each coin represents collective effort and controlled dissemination of power. Editor: Power? How so? Curator: The imagery, likely religious, reinforces legitimacy. Circulation impacts exchange, trust, and societal structure. What happens when its metallic content is debased? Editor: Interesting. I never considered all that. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Now, how might this object inform contemporary debates about value and production?