Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: This is a Stavraton of John V, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It looks rough. The worn texture speaks of a history of handling, of being passed from person to person. Curator: Indeed. It’s a silver coin, and the imagery tells a story. On one side we see Christ, and on the other, Emperor John V himself. The iconography ties the ruler to divine authority. Editor: Think of the social context! These weren't mere baubles. The material itself, silver, held intrinsic value, but also represented economic and political power structures. Curator: Precisely. The symbols pressed into the metal—Christ, the Emperor—resonated deeply with cultural beliefs. They reinforced a shared understanding of power and faith. Editor: And the physical process of striking these coins, the labor involved…it all contributed to creating a tangible representation of authority and economic control. Curator: Looking at it now, one can glimpse the blend of religious belief and imperial power of the era. Editor: Absolutely, examining both the materials and the imagery reveals a rich tapestry of Byzantine life.