Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Curator: This artifact is a coin of Manuel I. Notice its compact dimensions, a mere 4.1 grams. The metal is worn, yet the imagery remains legible. Editor: My immediate reaction is to the texture and form of the coin: its imperfectly circular shape and the raised relief of the figures hint at the material process. Curator: Indeed. Coins of this type circulated during Manuel’s reign, functioning as propaganda. The imagery—a bust of Christ on one side, the emperor on the other—projects power and divine right. Editor: And the semiotics of Byzantine imperial power are fascinating. The very roundness becomes a signifier of completeness, order, and centralized authority in the empire. Curator: The coin provides a tangible link to that time and sociopolitical landscape, speaking volumes about the economy and imperial image. Editor: Yes, the coin is really more than currency; its symbolic weight adds a layer of complexity.