One-Eighth Stavraton of John VII 1390

Editor: This is a One-Eighth Stavraton, a coin by John VII. What strikes me is its small size and the evident wear, a testament to its use. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the material, silver, and the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking such a piece. It circulated within a specific economic system, facilitating exchange and reflecting social power. How does its physicality shape our understanding of Byzantine trade and labor? Editor: That's a great point; I hadn't thought about the material in that way. It’s more than just currency; it’s a record of the means of production. Curator: Precisely. Every mark, every imperfection, tells a story about the processes involved in its creation and use. Reflect on how this contrasts with our contemporary ideas around mass production. Editor: Thanks, I’ll definitely look at coins differently now.