Ducat of Roger II of Sicily 1130 - 1154

Curator: This is the Ducat of Roger II of Sicily. It's fascinating how a coin, so small, can carry such weight, isn’t it? Like a tiny mirror reflecting an entire kingdom. Editor: Absolutely. My first thought is how power is literally impressed upon this object. The weight, the metallic gleam, everything screams authority, even now. What can you tell me about its iconography? Curator: Well, on one side, you see Roger II being crowned by Christ, which is a bold statement of divine right, wouldn't you agree? The other side shows a cross. I think it suggests Roger’s shrewdness, mixing sacred and secular authority. Editor: Indeed. Consider the historical context: Sicily was a cultural crossroads. This coin speaks to the complex negotiation of power between the Norman rulers and the diverse populations under their control. Curator: It also speaks to the durability of art, doesn't it? The coin is a testament to that. It survives, whispering secrets from a long-lost kingdom. Editor: Yes, it allows us to ask: who was included, who was excluded, and what narratives were intentionally inscribed and erased. It really highlights the power dynamics at play. Curator: It’s remarkable to think that such a small object has held so much, and continues to provoke so many questions. Editor: A potent reminder that even the smallest things can be tools to question the status quo.