Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: This is a coin created by Manuel I, weighing 3.71 grams, at the Harvard Art Museums. The surfaces are mottled and worn, but the images are still visible. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin presents an intriguing intersection of power, identity, and representation within the Byzantine Empire. Consider its function: circulating as currency, it embodies imperial authority, legitimizing Manuel I's rule through the dissemination of his image and symbols. How does the imagery on the coin reinforce the Emperor's power? Editor: I see figures on both sides. What does it mean in the context of Byzantium? Curator: The choice of imagery - perhaps a depiction of Christ or the Virgin Mary on one side, and Manuel I on the other - speaks volumes. These images were not merely decorative. They were carefully chosen to project a specific message about the Emperor's divine right to rule, his connection to religious authority, and his role as protector of the Christian faith. The coin served as a tangible reminder of his power in every economic exchange. Editor: I see. So, this coin is a political statement as much as it is currency. Thanks! Curator: Precisely! It invites us to consider the ways in which power is negotiated and visually communicated in different historical contexts.