Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have a coin of Manuel I. It feels incredibly weighty with history, despite its size! What stories do you think this little coin holds? Curator: Oh, this isn't just metal; it's a whisper from Byzantium! See how worn it is? Imagine the hands it passed through, the markets it visited, maybe even funding a secret rendezvous. It's a tangible link to a world both grand and gritty. Editor: That's fascinating! Now I'm picturing its whole journey. Curator: Exactly! Art isn't just about what's there; it's about what it evokes. It's a key, unlocking forgotten rooms in our minds. Editor: Definitely given me a new perspective on something as small as a coin! Curator: And that's the magic, isn't it? A universe in your palm.