Miliaresion of Michael VII, Constantinople c. 11th century

Editor: Here we have a Byzantine silver coin, a Miliaresion of Michael VII. What strikes me most is how worn it is, yet we can still decipher the images. What can we learn from this coin? Curator: Considering its materiality, the coin’s silver content speaks to economic factors and trade routes of the Byzantine Empire. Each strike represents labor and the intent to distribute wealth. The images themselves show us the symbolic language used to reinforce imperial power. Editor: So, the coin’s very existence tells a story about production, labor, and power? Curator: Precisely. Even its wear and tear narrate its journey through circulation, reflecting the social and economic life it touched. What do you think of that? Editor: I'm amazed! It's incredible to think that this small object is more than just currency, but a historical artifact revealing so much about the Byzantine world. Curator: Indeed, it’s a testament to how even the most mundane objects can illuminate the complex forces shaping society.