Dinar of Abd al-Malik 701 - 702

Editor: Here we have a gold Dinar of Abd al-Malik I. The detail achieved on such a small object is impressive. What can you tell me about the materiality and function of this coin? Curator: As a form of currency, the Dinar embodies both economic exchange and political power. The very act of minting, the labor involved in extracting and refining the gold, and its distribution reflect the economic and social systems under Abd al-Malik's rule. Editor: So, it's more than just pretty metal? Curator: Precisely. Consider the cultural significance embedded in the choice of material, the inscriptions, and the standardization of its weight and purity. These elements served to unify and control the burgeoning Islamic empire. Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't considered how the coin itself communicates power. Curator: And its journey through trade routes and markets – each transaction adding layers of meaning and historical context. Editor: I see it in a completely new light now! Thanks.