Coin of Herakleios c. 611 - 612

Editor: This is a copper coin of Herakleios by Abd-al-Malik from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s so small, but I see so much detail. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin speaks volumes about cultural power and the politics of imagery. Abd-al-Malik, an Umayyad Caliph, initially replicated Byzantine coinage. Notice the emperor Herakleios is depicted on it, right? Editor: Yes, I see that. Curator: But later, Abd-al-Malik replaced the emperor with Islamic symbols. This coin reflects that transition, showing the negotiation of power and religious identity through visual representation. What do you think that tells us about the role of art? Editor: That art can be a deliberate tool for establishing dominance and shifting cultural narratives. Curator: Exactly. It’s a powerful example of how art shapes public perception.