Asper of Manuel I of Trebizond c. 13th century

Curator: The Harvard Art Museums hold this Asper of Manuel I of Trebizond, a coin weighing just 2.67 grams. Editor: It looks worn, almost ghostly, despite its small size. The imagery feels both regal and a little crude. Curator: The images, though simple, carry significant weight. On one side, we see Manuel I depicted, and on the other, what appears to be a representation of Saint Eugene. Editor: That's fascinating because it speaks to the relationship between earthly power and divine authority in Trebizond. The material itself, most likely silver, would have been a marker of wealth. Curator: Absolutely. The value resided not only in the silver but also in the labor of minting and the implicit power it represented. A tangible piece of the Byzantine economy and social structure. Editor: It certainly gives a lot to think about: the flow of capital, the symbols of faith, and the imprint of a ruler on such a tiny, handled object. Curator: Indeed, this coin whispers tales of empire, faith, and the daily grind, all wrapped into one small metallic package.