Politikon of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: Here we have a "Politikon of John V", a coin created by John V. Now, tell me, what is your initial impression? Editor: Immediately, it feels burdened. The visible wear flattens any sense of depth. Curator: Indeed. The coin’s surface, though worn, shows two distinct sides. One features a prominent cross—a clear symbol of faith and power. Editor: And perhaps dominance? The cross also implies a symbolic intersection, a meeting of the earthly and divine. Curator: The other side seems to portray the ruler, suggesting a divine mandate or perhaps the ruler's symbolic role as a protector. Editor: A potent image, really. The visual weight and the implied message of a divinely sanctioned ruler are inescapable. Curator: Absolutely. It gives us insight into the political messaging of that time. Editor: It makes you consider the endurance of symbols. Curator: Right, it is a visual construction meant to last, and it certainly has. Editor: It is a compelling example of how power and faith are encoded into everyday objects. Curator: Indeed, quite informative and compact.