Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: Looking at this Stavraton of John V, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums, I'm struck by the immediate impression of fragility and endurance. Editor: Yes, the coin's worn surface tells a story of circulation and use. Each imperfection hints at the historical and economic forces at play during John V's reign. Curator: Exactly. And the imagery—the emperor himself, rendered with a specific set of imperial regalia—speaks volumes about the Byzantine concept of leadership and divine right. Look at how it combines religious and political authority. Editor: The cross, of course, is paramount, linking earthly power to spiritual legitimacy. But the coin’s material also has symbolic weight, doesn’t it? This wasn't merely currency; it projected an image of strength and stability. Curator: It's interesting to consider how the value of such an object shifts across centuries. It functioned as currency, propaganda, and now, as a window into a complex historical era. Editor: Indeed, it’s a poignant reminder of the layers of meaning embedded within even the most commonplace objects. Curator: A tangible link to a ruler, a society, and a belief system. Editor: Leaving me to reflect on the power of symbols and their endurance through time.