Aspron Trachy Nomisma of John III, Thessalonica 1221 - 1254

Editor: This is an Aspron Trachy Nomisma of John III, a coin from Thessalonica. It's quite small and shows a lot of wear and tear, almost like a relic. What can you tell me about the materials and how they inform the coin's history? Curator: The very materiality speaks volumes. The base metal, its degradation and corrosion tell a story of economic pressures, minting practices and the distribution networks of the time, moving beyond the simple portrait of John III. How was this made? Editor: So, it's not just a portrait, but a trace of labor and economic circumstance? I hadn't considered the production side so deeply. Curator: Exactly. The coin is more than currency; it embodies the means of production and material realities of its era. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about! Thanks for your insights.