Half Asper of Manuel III of Trebizond c. 1390 - 1416

Editor: Here we have the Half Asper of Manuel III of Trebizond, whose date of creation is unknown. It's such a tiny object, only 1.03 grams. What do you notice about the coin's composition? Curator: The coin's visual impact hinges on the interplay between the worn texture and the incised design. The deliberate circular format acts as a frame, drawing the eye towards the centralized figure, despite its degradation. How does the surface quality strike you? Editor: I find the coin's roughness distracts from the imagery itself. The figure appears faded. Curator: Indeed, the coin's materiality – its aged, worn surface – complicates our reading. The effacement contributes to its semiotic power, suggesting the passage of time and the transience of power. Editor: That's interesting, I hadn't considered the surface as a means to add to the coin's meaning. Curator: Analyzing the formal elements allows a deeper understanding.