Asper of Manuel I of Trebizond c. 1237 - 1263

Editor: Here we have the "Asper of Manuel I of Trebizond," a small coin housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Looking at this, I'm struck by how much information is conveyed on such a tiny object! What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Coins like this weren't just currency; they were powerful tools of propaganda. The imagery, likely carefully chosen by Manuel I, aimed to project his authority and legitimacy. How do you think the public would have perceived these images? Editor: I imagine they’d see him as divinely sanctioned. Is that a fair assessment? Curator: Absolutely. And consider where and how this coin circulated. It wasn't confined to a gallery. It touched countless hands, influencing perceptions of power within the empire and beyond. It’s fascinating how a small object can have such a large impact. Editor: That's a great point. Thinking about its circulation really changes my perspective. Curator: Mine, too.