Copper Assarion of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have the "Copper Assarion of Andronikos II". This particular coin is attributed to Andronikos II. Editor: It’s fascinating how such a small object holds so much weight; the worn copper gives it such a somber, weighty presence. Curator: Indeed. Notice the deliberate composition: a cross within a beaded circle on one side, contrasting with the emperor's depiction on the other. Editor: And that depiction of the emperor, regardless of how worn down it is, signifies the Byzantine empire's deep ties to power and religion. Imagine its circulation—the empire's economic and social structures reflected in each transaction. Curator: Absolutely, its materiality speaks to the artistry inherent even in the most utilitarian of objects. Editor: It's a tangible link to a complex past. Curator: Precisely, prompting us to consider the historical and cultural narratives embedded within it.