Trachy Type B of Theodore I, Nicaea c. 1205 - 1221

Editor: So, this is a silver "Trachy Type B" coin of Theodore I from Nicaea. It looks worn, but I find it fascinating. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, let's consider the material. Silver wasn't just valuable; it reflected power. Who controlled the mines? What trade routes facilitated its movement? The act of minting itself, and the distribution, speak volumes about economic and political control at the time. Editor: That's interesting. So the silver itself tells a story. Curator: Precisely. And think about the laborers involved, from miners to die-cutters. This coin is a product of its time, reflecting complex systems of labor and exchange. How does considering these material aspects change your perception of the object? Editor: It makes it feel less like an ancient artifact and more like a product of very human systems and resources. Thanks!