Tornese of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Editor: Here we have the Tornese of Andronikos II. It's fascinating to see the wear and tear on this small coin. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The tornese reveals a lot about the Byzantine economy and the labor involved in minting currency. The silver composition and the stamping process reflect the resources and technologies available. Who benefited from the circulation of this coin? Editor: So, you're saying the value isn't just what it could buy, but what it tells us about Byzantine society? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social relations embedded in its creation and use. It's a material trace of power dynamics. Editor: I hadn't considered that. It's more than just a coin; it's a tiny window into their world.