Coin of Herakleios c. 612 - 613

Curator: Here we have a fascinating artifact, a Coin of Herakleios, crafted under Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate. Editor: The worn copper has a somber, antiquated beauty. Its patina tells a story of circulation and age. Curator: Indeed. This coin's imagery provides a visual dialogue between Byzantine and early Islamic cultures. Note the initial Byzantine iconography subtly adapted to reflect Umayyad power. Editor: The layering of cultural symbols is intriguing. The coin served as a political tool, subtly legitimizing the new rulers. Curator: The materiality speaks to power. The coin's small size belies its vast economic and political influence. Editor: Reflecting upon its visual language, I am struck by how currency can be a powerful symbolic tool. Curator: Precisely. This piece elegantly encapsulates a critical period of transition and adaptation.