Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Theodore I, Nicaea 1208

Curator: Up next, we have an Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Theodore I, Nicaea, weighing a mere 1.86 grams. Editor: It looks incredibly worn, almost sea-worn, doesn't it? The texture gives it a powerful sense of age. Curator: It does. As currency, it circulated widely and played a vital, if humble, role in the economic and social life of its time. Coinage was crucial for empire management. Editor: Absolutely. And minting, itself, was a political statement. How the ruler chose to portray themselves mattered deeply for public consumption. Curator: These coins acted as portable billboards, shaping perceptions of power and legitimacy. Editor: It's fascinating how a small object like this reflects so much about empire and its self-image. Something to consider as we move on.