Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Theodore I, Nicaea 1208

Editor: This is an Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Theodore I from Nicaea. It has an intriguing, almost crude look to it. How would you interpret this piece? Curator: The coin’s production process speaks volumes. It wasn't just about minting currency; it was about controlling the material, shaping perceptions of power, and facilitating economic exchange. Its unevenness and wear tell a story of labour, trade, and social structures. Editor: So, it's less about the artistic imagery and more about its role in the economy? Curator: Precisely. The value lies in understanding how this object circulated, whose hands it passed through, and the economic realities it represents. Editor: That’s a totally different way of looking at ancient art. Thanks!