Half-Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: Here we have a Half-Stavraton, attributed to John V, held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s amazing how much wear this coin exhibits. You can almost feel the history embedded in the surface. Curator: Absolutely, its materiality speaks volumes about its life circulating through society. This coin, only about 4 grams, was likely made from silver. Think about the labor involved in mining, refining, and striking each one. Editor: And of course, its production and circulation were intricately linked to the political stability, or instability, of the Byzantine Empire during John V's reign. Currency like this, beyond its material worth, represents a statement of imperial power. Curator: Precisely. The imagery isn’t just aesthetic; it's a deliberate construction intended to project authority. Editor: It’s truly humbling to consider the weight of history contained within such a small object. Curator: Indeed, from material composition to its role in political theater, the coin provides a unique window into the past.