Dirham of Yazid II, Kufa 720 - 721

Editor: Here we have a Dirham of Yazid II, minted in Kufa. It seems like a simple coin, but what stories could it tell us? What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's a fascinating artifact! Beyond its monetary value, this coin highlights the intersection of politics and religion in the early Islamic world. The inscriptions, likely religious declarations, served as a powerful form of propaganda, asserting Yazid II's authority and legitimacy as a leader. Editor: Propaganda on a coin? That's interesting! Curator: Absolutely. Coins were one of the most effective means for disseminating such messages. Think about who controlled the mint, who commissioned the coin, and who used it. These details reveal much about the power structures of the time. How does that change your view? Editor: It makes me think about how even everyday objects can be loaded with meaning and used to shape public opinion. Curator: Exactly! It reveals the potent relationship between art, power, and public perception.