Copper Assarion of John V and Andronikos IV c. 1354 - 1379

Editor: This Copper Assarion of John V and Andronikos IV is, well, just a small, worn coin. But still, I find it fascinating. What sort of story does its imagery tell? Curator: The symbolism here is quite rich. This coin acted as a tangible representation of authority, yes, but also memory. Think about the weight this small object carried: the power of the Byzantine Empire, held in your palm. What do you see depicted? Editor: It looks like figures... rulers? Curator: Precisely. And what feelings are evoked by the crude rendering and the wear? Does it feel timeless, or tied to a specific moment? Editor: Definitely tied to a moment... a moment that's long past. Thank you, I'll have to think about that more.