Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Editor: Here we have the Stavraton of John V, a coin from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s amazing to think about what this small piece of metal represents. What can you tell me about its role in society at the time? Curator: Coins like this Stavraton weren't just money; they were powerful tools of propaganda. The imagery, likely of John V himself, circulated widely. How do you think that impacted his authority? Editor: I imagine it helped solidify his image and power in the eyes of the public. It’s like a very early form of mass media. Curator: Exactly! And consider the context: the Byzantine Empire was in decline. This coin reflects an effort to project strength and stability, even when the reality was quite different. Did it work? That's a more complex question! Editor: That’s fascinating. It’s amazing how much history can be packed into such a small object. Curator: Indeed. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can tell big stories about power, perception, and the past.