Coin of Il-Ghazi II c. 12th century

Curator: Here we have a coin of Il-Ghazi II, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It weighs 9.07 grams. The image and script seem relatively well-preserved despite the coin's age. Editor: The level of detail achieved on such a small, utilitarian object is really striking. It makes me consider the socio-economic conditions that enabled such labor. Curator: Absolutely. Coins weren't just money; they were propaganda. This coin, commissioned by Il-Ghazi II, speaks to his power, projecting his image and authority. Its circulation also helped solidify his reign throughout the region. Editor: Precisely! And the very material, likely silver or copper, shows the resources available to him and the skilled labor involved in mining, refining, and striking the coin. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about material control. Curator: Looking at it now, I'm reminded of how monetary systems serve not just an economic function, but also a cultural one, conveying status and power in tangible ways. Editor: Indeed. A coin like this, though small, opens a window onto the political and economic landscape of its time.