Grosh of John Asen I of Bulgaria c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have a Grosh of John Asen I of Bulgaria. It's small, silver, and worn smooth with age. What strikes me is how power is communicated through such a modest object. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about the intersection of power, identity, and legitimacy in 13th-century Bulgaria. Consider: Who gets to be represented on currency, and what messages are being broadcast? The imagery chosen here likely served to reinforce Asen's authority and connect him to previous rulers and cultural narratives. How does this object challenge our assumptions of value in both historical and contemporary contexts? Editor: That's a really interesting point; power and representation. It makes me think about whose stories get told. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely! It’s a reminder that even the smallest artifact can reflect larger social dynamics.