Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: Here we have a Half-Stavraton coin of Manuel II. The images, though worn, evoke a sense of Byzantine power and religious symbolism. What do you see in this piece, especially considering its function as currency? Curator: As an iconographer, I see these images, even on coinage, as potent symbols meant to communicate not just value, but also the ruler's divinely ordained authority. Note the halo; it speaks volumes. How does this symbol resonate with you in our contemporary world? Editor: It reminds me of how leaders use imagery to project power. I hadn't thought about the halo in that context, but now it feels like an early form of branding. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: Indeed. Consider how these symbols worked to shape perceptions of power and legitimacy. It offers a unique lens into cultural values and memory.