Stavraton of John V and Andronikos IV c. 1354 - 1379

Curator: This is a Stavraton of John V and Andronikos IV, a silver coin held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs only 6.5 grams. Editor: The fragmented nature immediately speaks to the turbulence of its time. A damaged coin reflects a damaged society, perhaps? Curator: Precisely. The alloy composition, striking process, and deliberate imagery chosen by John V to co-brand with his son, Andronikos, show a very real power play, don't you think? Editor: Yes, it's a tangible object that symbolizes a fragile alliance amid constant political instability and familial betrayal. The coin's very existence speaks to the Byzantine Empire's struggle to maintain legitimacy. Curator: Indeed. Its materiality tells us so much about the social context and the mechanisms of power. Editor: A poignant reminder that even the smallest artifact can carry the weight of history.