Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Editor: We're looking at a Half-Stavraton of Manuel II. It's a small coin, and the portraits on each side appear quite stylized. What meaning might these images have held for the people who used this coin? Curator: The imagery carries powerful cultural weight. On one side, the emperor embodies earthly authority, while the other likely depicts Christ, representing divine power. The coin connects these realms, shaping the viewer's perception of leadership and faith. What feelings do those connections evoke in you? Editor: It's almost like a constant reminder of the established order. It's fascinating to see how symbols, even on a small coin, can communicate such complex ideas. Curator: Exactly! And the wear and tear speaks to how cultural memory is etched through the use of everyday objects. Perhaps we can all be a little more thoughtful about the symbols we carry with us.