Coin of Constantine VII c. 945 - 959

Curator: Look at the intricate details of this Byzantine coin, created by Constantine VII. The weight? Just 4.41 grams. Editor: It’s striking how this small object carries such weight – not just in its gold content, but in the power it represents. The two figures feel almost confrontational, asserting imperial authority. Curator: Indeed. The coin’s imagery played a crucial role in legitimizing the emperor's rule within a complex socio-political context. Currency was a vital tool for disseminating propaganda. Editor: Right, this wasn’t just money; it was a carefully constructed symbol of power, designed to project an image of strength. And it reminds me that even financial systems are built on belief, on a shared understanding of value. Curator: I find it so interesting how these coins offer insights into Byzantine political strategies and their visual language to maintain power. Editor: It's a small object that triggers reflections about authority, gender, and the narratives we build around power. Fascinating.