Tetarteron of Andronicos I, Constantinople c. 1183 - 1185

Editor: This is the Tetarteron of Andronikos I, a coin from Constantinople. It looks quite weathered. What symbols stand out to you? Curator: The Byzantine coin speaks volumes through its imagery. Coins weren't just currency, they were propaganda. Consider the figures depicted, likely imperial or religious, each carefully chosen to project power and divine sanction. Editor: Propaganda through iconography. So, what does the imagery tell us? Curator: The durability of metal echoes the empire's aspirations of permanence. Over time, the images become embedded in the collective memory. Editor: That's fascinating - an enduring symbol of power. I never thought of coins as cultural artifacts. Curator: Indeed. The images speak across centuries. What stories do you think they tell?