Trachy Type B of Theodore I, Nicaea c. 1205 - 1221

Curator: What a weathered piece. It is "Trachy Type B of Theodore I, Nicaea", of course. Though the artist's identity matches the artwork, no birth or death dates are recorded. It resides here, at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The patinated surface evokes a sense of profound age; the worn details almost completely erase the imagery. Curator: Indeed, the coin speaks volumes about the political power residing in imagery. As currency, it served not only for exchange but also for ideological dissemination. Editor: The composition appears quite standard. Symmetrical, iconic, with the ruler presented frontally. It demands an almost geometric assessment. Curator: Absolutely, we can perceive this as a relic embodying the intersection of Byzantine art, political authority, and economic exchange. Its survival is a testament to the enduring power of symbols. Editor: Yes, this careful study illuminates the cultural narrative inherent in the smallest of objects. A compelling object.