Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: This is a Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, a coin from Harvard Art Museums. It looks worn, like it has a history. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Considering this coin, it is crucial to explore the political economy of the Byzantine Empire. What materials were used? How were they sourced and distributed? Who was involved in its production, from the miners to the engravers and minters? These questions reveal the complex network of labor and resources behind even a small artifact like this. Editor: That’s fascinating. So, the coin is more than just currency; it's a record of its time? Curator: Precisely! Each coin represents a tangible connection to the social and material conditions of its era. Thinking about the coin’s circulation also leads us to consider the flow of power and trade within and beyond the Byzantine borders. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thank you!