Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have a coin, "Coin of Manuel I." What strikes me is its heft; it feels like it carries centuries of stories, worn smooth by countless hands. What do you see in this humble artifact? Curator: I see a tangible link to the Byzantine Empire, a world of opulent ceremony and intricate power dynamics. This coin isn’t just currency; it’s a statement. It speaks of Manuel's ambition, maybe a touch of paranoia, immortalizing his image for posterity. The iconography is less about accuracy and more about asserting imperial authority. Editor: So, it's less a portrait and more of a propaganda piece, if I understand correctly. Curator: Exactly. It’s a carefully crafted message, designed to resonate with a specific audience. Seeing the artistry embedded in something so small reminds you of the power of symbols. Editor: I never considered it that way; I'll keep that in mind.