Half-Stavraton of Manuel II c. 1391 - 1425

Curator: Let's discuss this Half-Stavraton of Manuel II, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Its creation speaks volumes about the political and economic landscape of the time. Editor: It's fascinating! Immediately, the figures pressed into the metal evoke a sense of Byzantine solemnity and power, even on such a small scale. Curator: Indeed, the images on coinage were carefully chosen to project authority, with Manuel II depicted on one side. Their consistent deployment across the realm reinforced the image of imperial power. Editor: The iconographic precision is remarkable. The Virgin Mary, haloed, on one side, and the emperor on the other, both serve as potent symbols of divine authority. Curator: Precisely. And considering its circulation, it acted not only as currency but also as propaganda, disseminating imperial imagery and values far and wide. Editor: The coin's very existence speaks of Byzantium's enduring cultural influence and the power of symbols in shaping perceptions. A small object with a large story to tell.