Trachy of Michael VIII c. 13th century

Curator: This is a Trachy, a coin attributed to Michael VIII, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has this earthy, almost crumbling quality that feels incredibly ancient. Like holding a piece of forgotten history in your hand. Curator: Precisely! It's a tangible link to Byzantium. Coins like these weren't merely currency; they broadcasted imperial power, displaying the ruler's image and legitimacy. Editor: So, this wasn’t just pocket change. It was propaganda, stamped on metal and passed hand to hand. Imagine all the transactions and stories each coin carried! Curator: Indeed, and consider the cultural impact. Byzantine coinage influenced economic systems and artistic styles far beyond its borders. Editor: Makes you think differently about the coins jangling in your own pocket. Curator: It certainly does. This little coin speaks volumes about empire, art, and the flow of history.