Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: Here we have a Half-Stavraton, attributed to Manuel II. It's fascinating to see how such a small object carries so much detail. What visual echoes resonate with you when you look at this coin? Curator: The wear and tear speaks volumes, doesn’t it? The images, though faded, likely held potent symbolic weight. The very act of depicting a ruler, of imprinting an image onto currency, engages with a cultural memory of power and legitimacy. It asks, what endures, and what fades? Editor: So the image isn't just about the ruler, but about the idea of rulership itself? Curator: Precisely. Consider the symbols they chose. The positioning, the garments, the objects held. Each choice was deliberate, intended to project an image, a narrative. What narratives do you think they were trying to convey? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. I suppose, power, stability, divinity, maybe? It really gives a lot to unpack from a coin. Curator: Absolutely. It's a small object, but a giant echo.