Politikon of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: Here we have a "Politikon of John V," a small coin likely dating back to the reign of John V Palaiologos, Byzantine Emperor. Editor: It's so worn, like it has a story etched into every millimeter of its surface, a tangible connection to a distant past. Curator: Absolutely. These coins, circulated widely within the Byzantine empire, served not only as currency but also as a form of political communication. Editor: Right, a constant reminder of power dynamics. What did it mean for ordinary people to literally hold their ruler's image, and thus his power, in their hands? Curator: It reinforced a clear hierarchy, certainly, but also facilitated economic transactions and trade networks that shaped the empire's socio-economic fabric. Editor: It’s incredible to consider the journeys this little coin might have taken and the countless transactions it participated in. Curator: Indeed. Its presence here in the Harvard Art Museums underscores the enduring relevance of Byzantine history. Editor: Yes, a tiny object that speaks volumes about power, exchange, and the echoes of history in our present.