Half Asper of Alexios II ? c. 1297 - 1330

Editor: Here we have a "Half Asper of Alexios II?", a coin, likely silver, from Alexios II of Trebizond. The figures seem burdened, weighed down. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: The coin's imagery speaks volumes about power and its performance in the Byzantine world. Consider the weight of rulership it portrays. What does it suggest about Alexios II's reign, its challenges, and the messages he wanted to project? Editor: So, it's about the propaganda? I guess I assumed coins were just currency. Curator: Not just currency, but a carefully crafted message, especially for those who couldn't read. Who is being represented and how? Coins, much like today's social media, were tools for crafting and disseminating narratives of power. How does this relate to today? Editor: I never thought about coins that way. It's like a medieval meme! Curator: Precisely. We must always examine art in its historical context and its impact on marginalized groups. The coin's messaging, intended for widespread consumption, played a critical role in shaping perceptions of Alexios' rule. Editor: It makes me wonder who really controlled the narrative. Thanks, this gives me a lot to think about.