Coin of Isaac II c. 1185 - 1195

Editor: Here we have a coin of Isaac II. It's a small, dark, and worn piece of metal. What can you tell me about the making of this coin? Curator: Considering its materiality, we can ask about the labor involved in its production. Who mined the metal, and how did their work contribute to the economy and power structures of the time? Editor: So, it's about more than just the coin itself. Curator: Exactly. We should examine the social and economic context surrounding its creation and use. The wear indicates its use and circulation, thus giving it a place in the flow of goods and services. Editor: It makes me think about value and exchange in a completely new way. Curator: Indeed. The coin transcends its monetary value, becoming a symbol of power, labor, and the circulation of resources within a society.