Coin of Herakleios c. 618 - 628

Curator: This coin, attributed to Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate, is known as a "Coin of Herakleios" and weighs 7.38 grams. Editor: Its worn surface and subdued color give it a solemn, almost mournful quality. The relief, though subtle, suggests an iconic, perhaps imperial, figure. Curator: Indeed, the figural representation is a fascinating adaptation. Abd-al-Malik initially retained Byzantine imagery on his coinage, a visual assertion of power and continuation, even as he initiated reforms towards a more Islamic numismatic identity. Editor: Note the careful placement of text around the figure. It draws the eye in a circular motion, reinforcing the coin's inherent form and emphasizing the information contained within. Curator: Absolutely. The coin serves as a powerful artifact, revealing a nuanced negotiation of cultural and political identity during a period of significant transformation. Editor: Seeing how design choices can imply so much about identity is insightful. Curator: Agreed, a small object, but with a rich and complex history embedded within.