Coin of John II c. 12th century

Curator: Here we have a coin, attributed to John II, now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, the muted patinas of age strike me—a deep, earthy palette. I find that very appealing. Curator: Considering its weight of just under 4 grams, we can speculate on its value as a tool within Byzantine economy and trade. Editor: The composition, though worn, still suggests a central figure, perhaps a ruler, evoking ideas of power and authority. Curator: Coins like this one were essential tools that would have facilitated not just economic exchange but also the communication of imperial ideology. It speaks to the labor of minting and the reach of Byzantium's financial system. Editor: A fascinating object; its textures tell a story of survival. Curator: Indeed, it makes one consider the hands it has passed through.