Apsron trachy of John II, Constantinople c. 1122 - 1143

Editor: Here we have the Apsron trachy of John II, from Constantinople. It’s silver, small, and worn. I'm struck by the idea of a precious metal, like this, being used in everyday transactions. What can we learn from its materiality? Curator: This coin isn’t just about images of power; it *is* power, made tangible through labor. Consider the mining, smelting, and striking – each step a human action embedding value. The wear and tear show its life in circulation, a record of countless exchanges and hands. Editor: So, its imperfections tell a story? Curator: Precisely. The coin's debasement over time also reflects the empire’s economic fluctuations. What does this suggest about the relationship between material value and social stability? Editor: It really makes you think about how the coin went from symbolizing power to just being a tool. Curator: Yes, and also, how the materials themselves are carriers of history.