Coin of Leo III (forgery?) c. 8th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, attributed to Leo III, whose authenticity is questioned. The wear and the stark imagery give it a sense of history bearing down on us. What can you tell me about the visual symbols used here? Curator: The symbols are potent. The cross, for instance, isn't merely religious; it's a marker of Byzantine identity, of power, and a claim to divine mandate. Even the emperor’s attire reflects carefully coded messages of authority. How might this imagery be perceived across different eras? Editor: I guess what's powerful to some could be oppressive to others. It's strange to think of a coin as a form of propaganda. Curator: Precisely. Coins like these carried immense weight. They were visual statements, reinforcing power structures. Considering its questioned authenticity, what aspects might a forger emphasize or misunderstand? Editor: That's a fascinating lens through which to view it. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. These tiny objects unlock vast histories of cultural memory.