Tetarteron of Alexios III c. 14th century

Curator: This is a Tetarteron, a Byzantine coin minted during the reign of Alexios III. Look closely and you can see the figures, worn smooth by time. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its weight. Not just the literal 1.12 grams, but the symbolic weight of power and history embedded in something so small. Curator: Exactly. Currency was such a potent tool. This coin portrays Alexios with St. Constantine. It's a fascinating assertion of legitimacy and divine endorsement. Editor: And let's remember, legitimacy in this era was deeply tied to patriarchal succession and religious authority. Imagine the messages it sent to the people who handled it. Curator: I imagine them jingling in someone's purse, a tiny promise of stability or a reminder of who's in charge. It’s amazing how much meaning can be pressed into a bit of metal. Editor: It makes me think about the systems of value we create today—so much more abstract, yet still shaping our lives. Curator: It really does give you pause, doesn’t it? This humble coin whispers of empires, faith, and the enduring human quest for power.