Imitation of Coin of Justinian II with standing Caliph c. 685 - 705

Editor: This is a coin, "Imitation of Coin of Justinian II with standing Caliph," created by Abd al-Malik I. What strikes me is how worn the imagery is. It's hard to decipher the symbols, but I see a figure. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Indeed. The worn image speaks volumes, doesn’t it? It highlights a fascinating dance of power. The Caliph’s coin imitates Justinian II, a deliberate act invoking Roman authority, but with Islamic symbols taking root. What cultural memory do you think this imitation aimed to evoke, and simultaneously, to replace? Editor: That's fascinating! So, it's not just a copy, but a statement. I'll definitely look at coins differently from now on! Curator: Exactly! Every image carries echoes, doesn't it?