Coin of Isaac II 12th-13th century

Curator: Here we have a silver coin of Isaac II, a Byzantine emperor. Editor: It’s remarkable how worn it is. You can see how the material is aged and smoothed from use. Curator: Its creation coincides with a time of political upheaval; Isaac's reign marked increasing instability in the Byzantine Empire. Currency reflected imperial power, so the coin would have been a propaganda tool of sorts. Editor: Yes, but also consider the labor involved: the mining, the smelting, the meticulous engraving of the dies. It’s a testament to the skill of the artisans despite the empire’s troubles. Curator: Agreed. It’s a tangible link to a turbulent period, a small object carrying immense historical weight. Editor: Absolutely, and a powerful reminder that even objects of trade are products of a very material world.