Coin of Nikephoros III c. 1078 - 1081

Editor: This is a "Coin of Nikephoros III" from Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by how worn it is; the imagery is barely visible. What symbols do you see embedded in the design? Curator: The very wear you noticed speaks volumes. Each abrasion is a testament to its journey through time and culture. Do you see the figure on one side? Consider the symbols around him – each holds a thread to the past. Editor: I think I see what could be a religious figure, maybe? It is really hard to tell. The other side has some interesting shapes on it, too. Curator: Indeed. The shapes hint at the emperor's name, linking earthly power with divine symbols. Think about what this blending of the sacred and secular meant for the Byzantine people. What stories might this coin carry? Editor: That's a fascinating connection. I never considered how much history a small coin could hold. Curator: Precisely. It's a pocket-sized portal to a bygone era.