Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Editor: This is the Stavraton of John V, a small coin at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels like holding a piece of history. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The Stavraton, beyond its monetary value, served as a potent symbol. The imagery, though worn, speaks to the emperor's authority and divine mandate. Do you see how the cross, central to the design, links temporal power with spiritual legitimacy? Editor: I see that, and I guess I hadn't considered it beyond its functional role. Curator: Precisely! Coins like these were vital carriers of ideology, shaping perceptions of power and faith for a broad audience. Its visual language speaks volumes about Byzantium's cultural memory. Editor: So, it's more than just money. It's a message? That’s fascinating. Curator: Indeed. And decoding that message unlocks a deeper understanding of the past.