Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Manuel I, Constantinople 1160 - 1164

Editor: This is a Byzantine coin, an Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Manuel I from Constantinople. It looks almost like a little, tarnished shield! What strikes you most about the imagery here? Curator: The coin itself, though small, is a powerful symbolic object. Consider the weight of currency—it’s not just about commerce, but cultural memory. What does this coin say about Manuel I's reign, its strength and reach? Editor: So the images speak to a specific message of power? Curator: Precisely. Symbols like the emperor's effigy, the religious iconography; they're all carefully chosen to project authority, piety, and legitimacy. It’s a window into the Byzantine psyche. Editor: That’s fascinating; I’ll definitely think about that next time I see a coin! Curator: Indeed, it's a tangible piece of history, whispering stories of empire and faith.