Copper Assarion Class 18 of Andronikos II, Constantinople c. 1282 - 1328

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the sheer wear and tear; the patination is incredible. It’s a tangible reminder of the coin's journey through time. Editor: Indeed. This is a Copper Assarion Class 18 of Andronikos II, Constantinople, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Notice how its form embodies the economic forces and the laborious processes required for its creation and dissemination. Curator: The design, even in its eroded state, has a certain graphic quality—stark lines and shapes against the rough texture of the copper. It is a testament to Byzantine artistry. Editor: This coin speaks volumes about social relations—the act of minting underscores central power and the necessity to engage citizens in production and consumption to expand that power. Curator: And the traces of verdigris add an almost painterly dimension. The colors offset each other to make for a lovely harmony. Editor: Considering the exchange value, production, and the social status associated with it definitely brings a whole new understanding to this piece. Curator: I'll certainly be thinking about that in the future when I look at this object. Editor: Exactly. There's so much information imprinted on this coin beyond the purely aesthetic.