Basilicon of Andronikos III c. 1328 - 1341

Editor: We're looking at a Basilicon coin of Andronikos III, a Byzantine Emperor. It feels remarkably small and fragile, like a whisper from a long-lost world. What stories do you think this little coin holds? Curator: Ah, it's more than just a coin, isn't it? It's a pocket-sized power statement! I imagine Andronikos wanting his image, his legitimacy, constantly circulating. It's a fascinating snapshot of imperial ego, shrunk down for everyday transactions. What do you make of the wear and tear? Editor: It's definitely been through a lot! Adds to its mystique, I guess. So, it's less about wealth and more about projecting power? Curator: Precisely! And it reminds us how even the grandest empires ultimately fade, leaving behind these little echoes. Makes you think about what we leave behind, doesn't it?