Asper of John II of Trebizond c. 1280 - 1297

Curator: Here we have an asper, a coin, minted during the reign of John II Komnenos of Trebizond. Editor: My first thought is the sheer survival of this object—it carries so much history in its worn surface. Curator: Indeed. The imagery itself is quite striking. On one side, a representation of the emperor, likely conveying power and divine right. Editor: And on the other side, a cross, speaking to the religious and cultural context of the time. It makes me wonder about the intersection of political power and religious authority. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this one served as a form of propaganda, circulating not only currency but also the emperor's image and ideology. Editor: It's a tangible artifact of a specific moment in history, reflecting the values and power structures of that society. Fascinating. Curator: It’s amazing to consider that such a small object encapsulates such vast symbolic weight. Editor: It’s a potent reminder of how objects can embody history and shape our understanding of the past.