Coin of Leo III and Constantine V c. 737 - 741

Editor: Here we see a gold coin of Leo III and Constantine V, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s amazing to think of the power this small object once held. What can you tell us about its historical significance? Curator: This coin provides insight into the Byzantine Empire’s political and religious climate. Co-regency coins like this one promoted dynastic succession and reinforced the emperors' legitimacy amidst iconoclasm. What does the imagery suggest to you about the political messages? Editor: I see the portraits of the rulers, but I'm unsure how that ties into iconoclasm. Curator: The representation of Leo III and Constantine V reflects a specific stance toward religious imagery during a time when the use of icons was hotly debated. Understanding the coin's function as propaganda clarifies this. Does this perspective shift your understanding of the object? Editor: Absolutely, it highlights how art, even in monetary form, can be a powerful tool of political and religious expression. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. By considering the coin's socio-political context, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and purpose.