Assarion of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Editor: Here we have an Assarion, a coin made by Andronikos II. It looks incredibly worn and humble. What can you tell me about it? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the labour involved in producing something like this. The materiality speaks to the very foundations of the Byzantine economy. What metals were used, and who controlled those resources? Editor: That's a really different way of looking at it! Curator: Exactly! We're not just looking at an image, but at systems of power and production. What do you make of the images pressed into the metal? Editor: Well, I guess they tell a story of what was deemed important enough to make an impression, quite literally. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It’s about seeing the tangible connections to the people who made and used it.