Coin of Herakleios c. 638 - 639

Editor: Here we have a gold coin, "Coin of Herakleios", minted by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate. It's quite small, but the detail is incredible. What strikes me is how it repurposes Byzantine imagery. How do you see this piece functioning within its historical context? Curator: This coin represents a fascinating moment of cultural and political negotiation. Abd-al-Malik, rather than immediately introducing purely Islamic iconography, adapted existing Byzantine designs for his coinage. This was a strategic move, wasn't it, to ease the transition for populations accustomed to Byzantine currency? It highlights how new power structures often build upon existing visual languages to assert authority. Editor: So, the coin isn't just currency; it's a statement? I hadn't considered how carefully symbols are chosen. Curator: Precisely. The Umayyads were acutely aware of the power of imagery in shaping public perception and legitimizing their rule. It's a potent example of how art and politics intertwine.