Asper of John II of Trebizond c. 1280 - 1297

Curator: This small silver coin, an "Asper of John II of Trebizond," strikes me with its state of decay, yet the remaining detail on the monarch's robes still conveys a regal air. Editor: Indeed, its physical degradation is fascinating. Think of the hands that have exchanged it, the transactions it facilitated, the pockets it lined! What labor did it represent? Curator: Looking at the reverse, the figure of Saint Eugenios is quite obscured by that vibrant green corrosion. It almost forms a patina that alters how the light plays across the surface. Editor: That verdigris is practically another layer of history. It speaks to the coin's composition, the environmental factors it endured, and even perhaps trade routes and where it was buried or lost. Curator: I agree, the decay almost enhances its symbolic power. Editor: I appreciate understanding its journey through material analysis, offering insights into the social and economic forces at play during its circulation.