Tetarteron of Andronicos I, Constantinople c. 1183 - 1185

Curator: Examining this tetarteron, a Byzantine coin commissioned by Andronikos I, ruler of Constantinople, I'm struck by the weight of its history. Editor: There's a palpable sense of power emanating from this tiny object, isn't there? It speaks volumes about authority and the structures upholding it. Curator: Absolutely. Coins like this were instruments of political messaging, circulating widely. Andronikos, a controversial figure, used this to bolster his legitimacy. Editor: I'm intrigued by the choice of imagery. The figures, likely Christ and Andronikos himself, highlight the intertwined nature of religious and secular power. How did that play out in the daily lives of the people? Curator: It reinforced the Emperor's divine mandate, essential for maintaining social order. The coin's materiality – its weight and metallic composition – further symbolized value and control. Editor: Considering Andronikos' tumultuous reign, it's a potent reminder of how symbols can mask complex, often oppressive, realities. Food for thought.