Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Curator: Here we have a Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s remarkably worn, isn’t it? You can almost feel the history etched into the metal itself. Curator: Indeed. As a ruler, Manuel II was acutely aware of the power of imagery, and this coin served as a form of propaganda. Circulating images of the emperor reinforced his authority. Editor: And consider the labor involved! The silversmith, the design of the die, the striking of each coin. It speaks to a complex economic system supporting the Byzantine Empire. Curator: Absolutely. The production and distribution of coins like these were central to the empire's functioning. The imagery and inscription are potent symbols of imperial power and religious authority. Editor: It's amazing how much history is embedded in such a small, everyday object. Curator: It really does offer a glimpse into the political and social landscape of its time.