Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Manuel I, Constantinople 1167 - 1183

Curator: This is an Aspron Trachy Nomisma, likely from Constantinople, issued under Manuel I. It weighs just over 4 grams. Editor: It's remarkable to see how much information and power could be conveyed on such a small, tactile object. The wear speaks volumes about its history. Curator: Absolutely. The production of these coins involved a complex system, from the mining of precious metals to the skilled labor of die-cutters and minters, reflecting Byzantium's economic infrastructure. Editor: And it wasn’t just about economics. These coins were instruments of imperial propaganda, circulating the emperor’s image and legitimizing his rule throughout society. Think about the public's relationship to these images! Curator: Precisely. The choice of materials, the precision of the imagery—it all contributed to the coin's value and its symbolic weight. The wear and tear even tell a story of use, of exchange, of hands it passed through. Editor: It’s a tangible link to a distant past, a potent reminder of the everyday mechanics of power and belief. It makes me think about how art can be embedded in social transactions. Curator: For me, it’s the artistry combined with the utility that captivates. Editor: A fascinating microcosm of Byzantine society, indeed!