Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: This is a stavraton of John V, a silver coin now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as rather worn. Editor: The wear only adds to its story. Think of the hands it passed through, the power it represented in a time of political and social upheaval. Curator: Absolutely. The coin's design, with its representations of imperial power and religious iconography, speaks volumes about the Byzantine empire's self-image. The symbolism inherent in its form, weight, and metallic content is quite potent. Editor: The image of John V is deliberately crafted to project legitimacy. It speaks to the Byzantine state's need to assert control in a society marked by conflict. Curator: Indeed. It's a fascinating artifact, and its survival offers us a tangible link to a complex past. Editor: It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense historical weight.