Stavraton of John V c. 1341 - 1391

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have the Stavraton of John V, a coin which provides a fascinating glimpse into the economic and political landscape of the Byzantine Empire. Editor: It looks so worn, almost ghostly. I imagine the hands it passed through, the transactions, the everyday lives it touched. Curator: Indeed. Coins were powerful tools. The Stavraton was introduced during a period of economic turmoil, after the debasement of the Byzantine currency. Editor: So, it's more than just money—it's a statement of power and an attempt to stabilize the system. Who did it benefit, and who did it leave behind? Curator: Precisely. The imagery—the emperor, religious symbols—was carefully chosen to project authority. The coin is both an object of trade and a work of propaganda. Editor: The Stavraton whispers stories of trade routes, social hierarchies, and the constant struggle for control. I appreciate the chance to consider that intersection. Curator: And I’m reminded of how even mundane objects can offer profound insights into the workings of past societies.