Coin of John II c. 1118 - 1122

Curator: Here we have a "Coin of John II," currently held in the Harvard Art Museums, and weighing 3.8 grams. Editor: It has a deeply worn quality, which I find really compelling. It speaks to its long history of circulation, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. As a coin issued by John II, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the economic and political landscape during his reign. Currency was, of course, a key tool of governance. Editor: I like how you see it as a reflection of power. For me, the worn-down images almost feel ghostly. The past is right here in my hands. Curator: Coins had the power to disseminate the ruler’s image, linking him to the divine order. Editor: It makes me think about value, not just monetary, but cultural, symbolic. Curator: Indeed, this small object offers a vast window into the structures of the time. Editor: It is a reminder that even the smallest things can carry so much history.