Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: Here we have a Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, a small, silver coin. It looks quite worn; what can we learn from its production and use? Curator: Considering its materiality, the silver content itself speaks to the economic realities of the time. The wear suggests extensive circulation, reflecting the daily transactions and social exchanges it facilitated. Editor: So, it's less about artistic intention and more about the coin's function within society? Curator: Precisely. The coin is a product of labor, both in its mining and minting, and a tool for managing resources, mirroring social and economic structures. What does that suggest to you? Editor: It makes me think about how art objects are always embedded in systems of power and production. Thanks, that's fascinating! Curator: Indeed. Examining these material aspects offers a unique window into the past.