Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have the Coin of Manuel I. It's small, unassuming, yet speaks volumes about the labor and material that went into its creation and use. What can you tell me about this coin from a material perspective? Curator: This coin embodies the socio-economic system of its time. Its material – likely bronze or a base alloy – reveals the economic constraints and trade networks, and its production reflects the labor organization and technology of the era. Editor: So, its value isn't just monetary, but also lies in what it tells us about the society that produced it? Curator: Exactly! Think about the mining of the metal, the craftsmanship involved in its making, and what the coin could buy. That’s a whole story about labor and consumption. Editor: That’s fascinating! I’ll never look at a coin the same way again. Curator: Indeed, understanding its materiality and production processes allows us to appreciate the coin beyond its face value.