Trachy Type B of Michael VIII Doukas of Nikaia, Magnesia 

Curator: This is a "Trachy Type B of Michael VIII Doukas of Nikaia, Magnesia," a coin created by Michael VIII Doukas. Editor: It looks like two weathered faces gazing back at you from a bygone era, heavy with history and a touch of melancholy. Curator: Crafted during the reign of Michael VIII, this humble object offers insights into the economic and political landscape of the time. The production, I imagine, was quite standardized. Editor: Standardized, perhaps, but isn't there a primal allure in its very imperfection? The crude details, the worn edges... It echoes humanity’s grasp at power and permanence. Curator: Indeed, the wear speaks to the coin’s journey, its material life extending far beyond its initial minting. Editor: And to think, this little disc once passed from hand to hand, a silent witness to countless transactions, whispered secrets, maybe even a revolution or two. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Curator: Absolutely, and understanding its materiality deepens our appreciation. Editor: It certainly gives you a lot to think about.