Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: This is a Half-Stavraton of Manuel II. It's a very small coin! What strikes me most is how these figures have been worn down over time, yet they retain some legibility. What significance do you see in these worn symbols? Curator: The wear itself is significant, isn't it? It speaks to the coin's journey through time, its circulation through hands and markets. The imagery, though faded, maintains a symbolic link to imperial authority and divine right. Do you see how the regalia is still discernible? Editor: Yes, I can see the faint outlines. So, even in its worn state, it still communicates power. Curator: Precisely! Think about how these symbols would reassure or intimidate, reinforcing a specific worldview. It invites us to consider what endures and what fades in the cultural memory. Editor: I never thought of a coin holding so much meaning! Curator: Indeed. Each symbol is carefully crafted and deeply embedded in the cultural and historical context of its time.