Copper Assarion of John V and Andronikos IV c. 1354 - 1379

Curator: Before us, we have a Copper Assarion of John V and Andronikos IV, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's tiny! And so worn, yet it evokes a sense of endurance. Curator: Indeed. These coins served as potent symbols of power and legitimacy, acting as miniature billboards, circulating through the empire. The imagery on these coins often reinforced the emperor's divine right to rule, drawing on established visual codes. Editor: Copper tells a story too. Its affordability meant wider circulation, touching more hands, greasing the wheels of commerce. It speaks volumes about economic realities and the everyday lives of people within the Byzantine empire. Curator: And look closely. Even with the wear, the faint figures hint at the co-rule, a period of political struggle within the Byzantine Empire. The iconographic program, even in this degraded form, whispers of shared power, however uneasy. Editor: It’s interesting to consider the labor involved, the mining, smelting, and striking of these coins. A network of people, each playing their part in creating this little piece of history. Curator: This coin is much more than just a monetary object; it’s a convergence of political messaging and artistry. Editor: Absolutely! It’s a tangible link to both the powerful and the everyday.