Coin of Michael III c. 842 - 856

Curator: At first glance, the texture is what grabs me; it's worn, almost smooth, like a pebble shaped by the sea. Editor: Indeed. We're looking at a coin from the reign of Michael III, a Byzantine emperor. It's a small thing, just under 2 grams. Curator: And yet, it held immense power. The imagery, particularly the cross, serves as a potent symbol of imperial authority intertwined with religious legitimacy. Editor: Yes, the design is quite striking. The cross, elevated on steps, dominates one side, while the reverse bears an inscription, carefully arranged within the circular format. Curator: This coin circulated during a turbulent period, reflecting not just economic exchange but also the Byzantine Empire's ideological self-presentation amidst internal strife and external pressures. Imagine the hands it passed through! Editor: Contemplating its materiality alongside its symbolic function really enriches our understanding. Curator: Absolutely. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry enormous historical weight.