coin of Theodore I 

Curator: Here we have a coin of Theodore I, a small artifact from the Harvard Art Museums. It carries the weight of an empire, doesn't it? Editor: It does, though my first impression is one of wear and tear. The images are barely legible, yet there’s a haunting quality to the obscured figures. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these weren't just currency; they were instruments of propaganda. The imagery served to reinforce Theodore's authority and legitimacy. The symbols of power and faith are all carefully rendered, even in miniature. Editor: It’s intriguing how these small objects, designed for everyday exchange, became potent tools in shaping public perception. Did the average citizen really connect with these symbols or were they primarily for the elite? Curator: That's the question, isn't it? The coin speaks of power, but also of the everyday lives and political realities of its time. Editor: It's amazing how a simple coin can reveal so much about the social and political landscape of an era.