Coin of John II c. 12th century

Curator: This is a coin of John II, part of the numismatic collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It looks so worn, almost ghostly. What stories could this little coin tell if it could talk? Curator: Precisely! As a circulating object, it was more than just currency; it was a tool of imperial propaganda. John II used coinage to broadcast his image and authority. Editor: Absolutely. The image of the ruler, however faint, is a potent symbol of power, a tangible representation of the state. It reminds people who is in charge! Curator: And how coin designs mirrored and reinforced Byzantine social hierarchies. Its imagery reflects the religious and political climate of its time. Editor: I find it fascinating how such a small object becomes a window into broader cultural narratives. Curator: Exactly, it highlights how art serves as a powerful tool for shaping perceptions and consolidating power. Editor: Looking at this coin makes me think about how symbols persist and evolve, constantly reshaped by new contexts.