Copper Assarion of John V and Andronikos IV c. 1354 - 1379

Editor: This is a Copper Assarion depicting John V and Andronikos IV. It's fascinating to see how daily transactions involved objects laden with political messaging. What can you tell me about the value of focusing on the material composition of this coin? Curator: This coin's materiality speaks volumes. Copper, a relatively base metal, tells us about the economic realities of the time. Its wear and tear hint at circulation, of hands exchanging it. Consider the labor involved in its production and the social systems it supported. Editor: So, the copper itself provides insight into the broader economy and society, beyond just its face value? Curator: Precisely. It shifts our focus from the elite imagery to the everyday experiences and economic structures that underpinned Byzantine society. Understanding its material life deepens our understanding.