Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: Here we have a Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, a small silver coin. It looks quite worn. What can you tell us about its significance? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about power and representation in the late Byzantine Empire. Consider the act of Manuel II, the emperor, literally stamping his image onto currency. What does it mean for a ruler to control not just the state, but also its visual narrative in this way? Editor: It's a form of propaganda, perhaps? Curator: Precisely. And it's a statement about the divine right of kings, linking earthly power to a higher authority through imagery and symbolism. We see here the intersection of politics, religion, and art all manifested in a small object. Editor: It makes you think about who benefits from this kind of messaging. Curator: Exactly. Examining the impact and reception of these images offers a lens into the dynamics of power during a tumultuous era.