Coin of Michael VII c. 1071 - 1078

Editor: Here we have a coin of Michael VII, which resides at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a tiny thing, just 3.85 grams! What strikes me is the weight of history it holds, literally and figuratively. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, imagine holding power in your palm! It's a symbol, a promise, a pocket-sized billboard. Those faces, likely Michael and a religious figure, aren't just portraits; they're pronouncements. Who do you think this coin was meant to impress? Editor: Maybe merchants? Or soldiers getting paid? Curator: Exactly! This coin whispers tales of empire, faith, and the everyday hustle. It’s amazing how much can be held in such a small thing, right? Editor: It really is. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "small but mighty."