Tetarteron of Manuel I, Thessalonica 1167 - 1183

Curator: At first glance, this coin, "Tetarteron of Manuel I, Thessalonica," evokes a sense of antiquity and Byzantine artistry, doesn't it? Editor: It does, but the wear and tear also speak to the socio-economic conditions of its circulation—who had access to it, how it was used, its journey through time. Curator: Exactly. The imagery—the emperor, Christ—imbues the coin with symbolic authority. Think about the power of these figures and their enduring appeal, generation after generation. Editor: Authority yes, but also propaganda. Consider how representations of power legitimized the ruling class while potentially alienating marginalized groups. Curator: Still, the artistry is notable. We see echoes of older traditions. It is a beautiful artifact, revealing complex layers of social relations of the time. Editor: Indeed, this coin serves as a potent reminder of how deeply intertwined power, religion, and economics have always been.