Half Asper of Michael of Trebizond c. 14th century

Curator: Looking at this, I immediately think of hidden treasures and ancient stories whispered on the wind. Editor: Indeed. What we have here is a Half Asper of Michael of Trebizond, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Curator: It’s so small, almost inconsequential, yet teeming with symbols. I see a lion, worn but proud. What do you make of the lion? Editor: The lion, a symbol of royalty, was used to bolster the legitimacy of rulers, which in this case, Michael of Trebizond, needed considering his short reign. Curator: So, it's not just a pretty picture, it's political propaganda on a tiny scale. It's fascinating how something so small could carry so much weight. Editor: Absolutely. It is a reminder that even everyday objects can be powerful tools of communication and control. Curator: A tangible fragment of history, worn smooth by time and use, continuing to tell its tale. Editor: Exactly. It’s a small coin, but its implications for understanding power dynamics are enormous.