Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Curator: Here we have a Half-Stavraton, made by Manuel II. Editor: Oh, it's like holding history in your hand, isn't it? So tiny, yet it speaks of empires. Curator: Indeed. As a form of currency, this coin embodies the economic and social structures of its time. We can examine its material composition, 2.81 grams, to learn about trade routes and resource management in the Byzantine empire. Editor: I'm taken by the faces etched on it, so solemn. It makes me wonder about the artisan's hands, the weight of power they represented, and the hands it passed through. It feels almost sacred. Curator: Precisely, the craftsmanship reflects the societal values placed on religious iconography and imperial authority. Editor: Looking at it now, I'm reminded that even the smallest objects can carry the largest stories. Curator: Absolutely. Its existence prompts us to reflect on the enduring significance of cultural heritage.