Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Editor: Let's take a look at this Stavraton of John V, a small, silver coin at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks worn but still detailed. What strikes you most about it? Curator: The coin whispers stories, doesn't it? I see a ruler, John V, rendered with such care, almost naivete, a stark contrast to the empire's decline. It feels like holding a piece of someone's hope, or perhaps their last stand, in my hand. Do you sense that too? Editor: I do. It’s heavy with history, quite different from what I expected. Thanks for sharing your perspective. Curator: My pleasure. Sometimes, the smallest objects hold the biggest echoes.