Fulus of Sulayman Shah, with Horseman right and Kufic legend c. 12th century

Curator: Here we have a fulus, a coin, of Sulayman Shah. It depicts a horseman on one side and a Kufic legend on the other. Editor: It's striking how worn it is; the material speaks volumes about its journey through time, each scratch a story. Curator: Absolutely. The horseman is a powerful symbol, evoking ideas of conquest, authority, and even spiritual guidance. It's a recurring image in many cultures. Editor: And the Kufic script itself. It's not just text; it’s a laboriously crafted pattern, a physical manifestation of power through language. Curator: Coins like these served as a form of propaganda, communicating the ruler's power and legitimacy to the masses, embedding specific visual and textual cues into collective memory. Editor: Examining the metal composition would be fascinating. Understanding its original luster and the degradation processes opens a window onto trade routes and economic history. Curator: Indeed, a humble coin, yet it encapsulates so much. Editor: A tangible link to the past, offering a rare intimacy with history.