Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Curator: This object is a Half-Stavraton, a coin minted by Manuel II. Editor: The patina! The colors feel so aged, but the details still have a voice—a quiet, weathered strength. Curator: Note the carefully inscribed images—Manuel himself on one side, and religious iconography on the other. The very form, size, and composition speak to power and authority. Editor: Power inextricably linked with religious and cultural identity in the Byzantine world. What did it mean to hold such a coin during a period of political instability? Curator: The coin's value wasn't merely monetary; it visually communicates Manuel's claim to the Byzantine throne through established artistic symbols. Editor: Each element serves as a tiny billboard, broadcasting ideology across social strata, reinforcing existing power structures through material culture. Curator: Indeed, its artistry is inseparable from its purpose. Editor: Considering its scale and age, this coin offers a tangible connection to the complexities of late Byzantine history.