Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: We're looking at a gold coin, "Coin of Manuel I," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's so small, but the details are incredible! What story do you think it whispers? Curator: It's a window into the Byzantine world, really. Imagine the feel of this coin in someone's hand centuries ago, purchasing bread or paying taxes. It's a symbol of power and faith intertwined, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely. The weight of history, literally! Curator: Exactly! And the emperor's image, stamped in gold – a statement of imperial authority and divine right, all within a tiny disc. It's a powerful little object. Editor: I never thought of it that way. It is powerful! Thanks!