Copper Trachy Class 16 of Andronikos II, Constantinople c. 1282 - 1328

Curator: At first glance, these copper coins have a sombre feel, almost like relics of a bygone, oppressive era. Editor: This is a Copper Trachy Class 16, crafted during the reign of Andronikos II in Constantinople, now residing in the Harvard Art Museums. The imagery, though worn, speaks volumes. Curator: The cross, of course, immediately signals the importance of Christianity within the Byzantine empire and the power it wielded in civic life. Editor: Precisely, and observe how the figure of the emperor mirrors traditional iconography of Christ as ruler, conflating temporal and spiritual authority. This highlights the complex relationship between the church, state, and gendered power. Curator: The damage is telling. It mirrors larger societal conflicts during Andronikos's reign. Editor: Absolutely. The symbolic value embedded within these small objects offers compelling insights into cultural memory and historical forces. Curator: Examining this coin, I'm reminded of the intricate dance between symbolism, power, and everyday life in the Byzantine world. Editor: And I’m left contemplating the many hands through which this coin has passed, each leaving their mark on its story.