Trachy Type B of Theodore I, Nicaea c. 1205 - 1221

Curator: Here we have a fascinating artifact: a Trachy Type B of Theodore I from Nicaea. It's a small coin, only about 4 grams, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks ancient, and quite worn! But in its wear, it speaks to the passage of time and the hands it must have passed through. There is a simple beauty in the patinated surface. Curator: Indeed! The imagery holds significant weight. On one side, you see the Virgin Mary, and on the other, Emperor Theodore himself. This pairing reinforces his divine right to rule, a common theme in Byzantine coinage. Editor: It's more than just a pretty image; it's a statement of power, isn't it? A visual claim to legitimacy. The Emperor uses the Virgin Mary to endorse himself! It is a powerful, psychological play. Curator: Precisely. And the very act of minting coins was a way for rulers to disseminate propaganda! Editor: Knowing that coins like this were not just currency, but also tools for shaping perception... it adds so much depth to such a small object. Curator: Absolutely. It's a reminder that even everyday objects can carry profound cultural and historical significance. Editor: It makes one consider the messages we exchange daily, and what those messages might say to those in the future.