Asper of John II of Trebizond c. 1280 - 1297

Editor: Here we have the Asper of John II of Trebizond. It's fascinating how much information is packed into this tiny coin. What symbolic language can we decipher here? Curator: Notice the figure on one side. Who do you think it represents, and what does the scepter suggest about their role? How does it mirror figures on other coins of this era? Editor: It seems like a ruler. And the other side is packed with symbols! It almost feels like a coded message. Curator: Indeed. Consider the religious iconography combined with the imperial symbols. What tensions or harmonies might they represent in the Byzantine world? Editor: I see how the coin blends religious and political power, a potent combination of symbols. Thanks, that was really insightful! Curator: My pleasure. Thinking about visual symbols and their emotional weight is key to understanding history.