Half-Stavraton of John VIII c. 1425 - 1448

Editor: This is a Half-Stavraton, a coin made by John VIII. It feels almost crude in its production, yet undeniably carries the weight of its economic purpose. What can you tell me about this coin’s story? Curator: Let's consider the material itself. Silver, likely mined and processed under specific conditions, turned into a coin. Who controlled those resources? Who labored to extract and refine them? This small object represents a complex web of power and labor. Editor: So, it’s not just about the face value, but the value of the raw material itself, and what went into its creation? Curator: Precisely. Its creation reflects the economic and social structures of the time. Even its wear and tear, the scratches and imperfections, tell a story of circulation and use. That physicality makes it so compelling. Editor: I never thought of it that way, the material as a starting point for understanding its world. Thanks!