Half-Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Editor: This is a Half-Stavraton of John V, a coin residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels weighty, not just in its 3.93 grams but in its historical presence. What symbols strike you when you look at it? Curator: The coin presents a fascinating synthesis of power and divinity. Consider the image of the ruler, likely John V himself. What qualities does it project? Does the style remind you of other Byzantine icons you may have seen? Editor: Yes, the face has a certain solemnity, reminiscent of religious icons. Perhaps this was intentional, to legitimize his rule? Curator: Precisely. The symbols used here, like the depiction of the ruler and likely religious iconography on the reverse, acted as visual anchors to established belief systems, lending authority and continuity to his reign. We are seeing cultural memory made manifest. Editor: I hadn't thought of coins as carriers of cultural memory. Thanks for your insights! Curator: My pleasure. Consider how such a tiny object can carry such a heavy cultural load.