Tornese of Andronikos III c. 1328 - 1341

Editor: This is a tornese, a coin, issued by Andronikos III Palaiologos. It looks tarnished, and shows its age. What can you tell us about its significance? Curator: This coin offers a tangible link to the Byzantine Empire, reflecting its economic and political strategies. Its imagery was carefully crafted to project imperial power and religious legitimacy. How would its value have been perceived then? Editor: I imagine its value was both monetary and symbolic, conveying authority. Curator: Precisely. And considering the socio-political context of Andronikos III's reign, a period marked by internal conflicts and external threats, the coin served as a crucial tool for consolidating power and maintaining stability through controlled iconography. Editor: That is fascinating. I hadn't considered the image politics of currency before. Curator: It makes you think about the subtle propaganda embedded within everyday objects, doesn't it?