Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: This is the Stavraton of John V, currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums, a coin historically attributed to John V himself. Editor: It looks worn, almost like a child has been playing with it, but the low relief gives it this surprisingly delicate appearance. Curator: Indeed, the silver from which it's made, and the very act of minting it, was a direct reflection of the economic and political turbulence of the Byzantine Empire at that time. Editor: You can almost imagine the artisans, their labor poured into each coin, reflecting both the emperor’s ambition and the societal pressures weighing down on them. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were more than just currency; they were tools of imperial propaganda and control. Editor: Knowing the effort behind it, one can view this not merely as an artifact, but as a physical testament to labor, history, and power intertwined. Curator: A powerful connection to the past, I agree. Editor: Yes, it certainly makes you think about what all that silver has seen.