Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: This is a Half-Stavraton, a coin created by Manuel II. It’s interesting how such a small object, weighing only 3.37 grams, carries so much history. What stories do you think these images tell? Curator: The image on each face of the coin is carefully wrought, not just as currency but as a symbolic representation of power and divinity. Notice the halos. What do they evoke for you? Editor: Sanctity? Authority? I guess it makes sense for a ruler to use that symbolism. Curator: Exactly. Images like these are a form of cultural memory, reinforcing the Emperor's divine right to rule. They echo through the centuries, shaping perceptions. Editor: That’s a powerful idea, that a tiny coin could shape perceptions so broadly. Thank you for your insights!