Fulus of Sulayman Shah, with Horseman right and Kufic legend c. 12th century

Curator: Looking at this copper coin, it appears time-worn, doesn't it? It's a "Fulus of Sulayman Shah," featuring a horseman and Kufic script. Editor: Absolutely, it’s like holding history in your palm, feeling its journey through centuries. The rust-colored patina almost speaks of ancient landscapes and forgotten empires. Curator: Precisely. The coin speaks volumes about Rukn ad-Din Sulayman Shah and the socio-political narratives of the time. Coins like these reflect not just trade but also power and identity. Editor: I feel a strange connection to the artist too. To think that someone so long ago carefully created this tiny piece, not knowing if it would ever survive. Curator: And we see the echoes of that craft, the intentionality behind the imagery, the inscription that served as a form of legitimization for the ruler. Editor: Yes. It also makes me think about the stories it could tell, the transactions, and maybe even the hands it passed through. It’s deeply evocative. Curator: These objects serve as tangible links to past societies, revealing insights into their economies, political structures, and cultural values. Editor: Well, it’s certainly more than just a piece of metal. It is a reminder of our shared human story, beautifully captured in something so small.