Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: Here we have the Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, a fascinating coin from Harvard Art Museums. It feels incredibly tactile. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the coin's silver content and how it reflects the Byzantine economy under Manuel II. The debasement of currency speaks volumes about resource management during a period of political decline. Editor: So the material itself tells a story of the society? Curator: Precisely! The coin isn't just currency; it's a material record of fiscal policy and craft production, reflecting power relations of the era. What do you make of the images stamped on either side? Editor: It shows the labor involved and its purpose within a much larger economic structure. Thanks for shedding light on that! Curator: Indeed, examining its materiality allows us to understand broader social and historical contexts.