Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: The Stavraton of John V, a small silver coin, presents a glimpse into the Byzantine Empire's economic and political landscape. Editor: It appears well-worn, quite humble. I’m struck by the material's history—who handled it, the transactions it facilitated. Curator: Indeed. These coins served not only as currency, but also as potent symbols of imperial authority, circulating specific images of the emperor and religious iconography. Editor: The labor involved in producing such coins, the mining, smelting, and minting, represents a significant investment of resources and a complex social structure. Who were the coin makers, and what was their status? Curator: These coins reflect Byzantine cultural identity. This artifact prompts questions about power dynamics, religious beliefs, and cultural exchange within the context of the empire. Editor: I agree, looking at the coin's materiality, from the silver itself to the skill in the die striking, it is interesting to observe the link between materiality, production, and meaning.