Half Tetarteron of Manuel I, Thessalonica 1143 - 1152

Curator: Here we have a Half Tetarteron of Manuel I, minted in Thessalonica. Editor: It looks well-worn, almost like something you'd find buried in the earth. Curator: Indeed. The coin's production speaks volumes; consider the laborious process of die-cutting and striking. The base metal alloy would have been carefully chosen for its properties and availability. Editor: The coin's imagery served a clear propaganda function. Coins like these were important instruments of Byzantium's economic and political power. They circulated widely and promoted the emperor's image. Curator: And, to your point, the wear and tear speaks to its long journey through commerce and exchange. It's a testament to the enduring nature of material culture. Editor: It gives me pause to think about how many hands it passed through. Curator: Precisely. A humble coin, but a rich source of historical and material insight.