Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Manuel I, Constantinople 1167 - 1180

Editor: So, this is an Aspron Trachy Nomisma of Manuel I, a coin from Constantinople. It looks pretty worn. What can you tell me about its role in society back then? Curator: Well, coins are fascinating historical objects. They're not just money; they’re potent symbols of imperial power and religious ideology. This Nomisma would have visually communicated Manuel I's authority through its imagery. Editor: So, what kind of imagery are we talking about and who was seeing this? Curator: We would need to see the images better to identify them. But these coins circulated widely, from merchants to soldiers. Imagine each transaction as a mini-propaganda moment, reinforcing the emperor's image and legitimacy. Editor: That’s interesting. It makes you think differently about everyday transactions. Curator: Exactly! It reminds us that art exists even in the most mundane objects, shaping our perceptions of power and belief.