Tetarteron of Andronicos I, Constantinople c. 1183 - 1185

Editor: This is the Tetarteron of Andronicos I from Constantinople, author unknown, and it looks like it’s made of metal. The state of decay makes me wonder about its history as an object of labor. What stands out to you about this coin? Curator: The wear and tear are fascinating. Each scratch tells a story of its use, its circulation, and its place in the Byzantine economy. Who mined the metal? How were these coins produced en masse? Editor: So you’re less focused on the image it projects and more on its physicality? Curator: Exactly! Its value isn't merely symbolic; it's in the exploitation of resources and the labor of those who crafted it. Think about the societal structure reflected in this coin's production. Editor: That’s a great perspective. I never considered the economics behind it.