Asper of Alexios II of Trebizond c. 1297 - 1330

Curator: This is an "Asper" coin created during the reign of Alexios II of Trebizond, held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The overwhelming green patina immediately speaks of age and transformation, almost like a living thing reclaiming its own history. Curator: Indeed. Coins like this tell us about Trebizond's economic and social life under Alexios. It provides a material connection to the past, offering insights into trade, identity, and imperial power. Editor: Seeing this, I think of marginalized communities, and the way their stories are often obscured but still present, much like the original image under the oxidation here. Curator: Absolutely, it reminds us that even seemingly insignificant objects hold potential for complex narratives. Editor: It leaves me pondering about resilience and the enduring power of memory, even as time leaves its mark.