Follis of Herakleios, Constantinople 633 - 634

Curator: This is a Follis of Herakleios, a bronze coin originating from Constantinople and crafted under Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate. Its weathered texture speaks volumes. Editor: It’s incredible how much symbolism can be packed into such a small object. What do you see in the imagery? Curator: The depiction of standing figures certainly hints at power structures, and that M on the reverse, of course, signifies its denomination. Editor: Indeed, the figures could represent imperial authority, while the 'M' might also carry cultural weight beyond mere currency value, a marker of identity. Curator: True, the materiality itself speaks of trade routes and labor. Every abrasion indicates circulation, each imperfection a moment in its history. Editor: And each symbol on it is an echo of a society’s beliefs and values. The past whispering across millennia through a few etched lines. Fascinating. Curator: Absolutely. To consider the processes of production and its economic implications gives us a much deeper understanding. Editor: A tangible link between symbol, power, and the people who used this very coin.