Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: This is a stavraton, a Byzantine silver coin. In this case, we believe it was made under the reign of John V Palaiologos. Editor: It feels burdened, weighed down. You can sense the history in its worn surface, its small size belying its significance. Curator: The imagery is so crucial. On one side we see Christ, while the other bears the image of the Emperor himself. It speaks to their interconnected power. Editor: And the deliberate iconography, a visible language of authority. Even in daily transactions, people were confronted with assertions of divine and earthly rule. It's a fascinating glimpse into the Byzantine state. Curator: It really does bring the past into tangible form. I think it's a testament to the endurance of symbols, isn't it? Editor: Yes, a potent reminder of how art, even in the smallest coin, can be a tool for shaping perceptions and power.