Coin of Manuel I c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have the "Coin of Manuel I" from the Harvard Art Museums. It's quite small, but I'm curious about its intricate details. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin, though diminutive, speaks volumes about power and representation. Consider the image of the emperor, likely Manuel I, placed alongside religious symbols. How does this juxtaposition legitimize his rule? And what does it tell us about the Byzantine Empire’s self-image? Editor: So, it's about blending religious authority with political power? Curator: Exactly! It's also interesting to examine how the coin itself, as a medium of exchange, circulated these ideas of imperial authority throughout the empire and beyond, shaping perceptions of Manuel I's reign. Fascinating, isn't it? Editor: Definitely. I hadn't considered the coin's role in disseminating power structures.