Copper Assarion of Andronikos II c. 1282 - 1328

Curator: Here we have a copper coin, an Assarion, minted during the reign of Andronikos II. Editor: It's quite small but powerful—the weight of history, of empire, pressed into a single, tarnished disc. It feels burdened. Curator: Exactly. These coins were not just currency; they were tools of governance. Disseminating them reinforced Andronikos's image and authority throughout the Byzantine realm. Editor: The images on each side—worn as they are—speak volumes about power. Who is represented, and what does that choice say about their place in the Byzantine hierarchy? Curator: This particular coin offers insight into the economic realities of the late Byzantine period, a time of decline, which makes this artifact so important. Editor: A tangible link to the past, reminding us how political power and monetary policy intertwine. Curator: Indeed, an everyday item that reflects a vast and complex historical narrative. Editor: I find it's also a stark reminder of the impermanence of power, empires crumble, but a coin can last centuries.