Coin of Sulayman II 12th-13th century

Curator: Looking at the Sulayman II coin at the Harvard Art Museums, I'm immediately struck by the rider on horseback, almost like a tiny bronze dream. Editor: And I'm thinking about the work it took to produce something like this, how the value lies not just in its face value, but in the labor and resources poured into it. Curator: Exactly! It's more than just currency; it is a portable story, crafted by the hand of its namesake. This coin offers a unique peek into the world of Sulayman II. Editor: These materials aren't neutral. The metal itself speaks of trade routes, of mining practices, and the politics of resource control. I wonder about its circulation. Curator: It certainly makes you think about how a small object can reflect a vast empire. I love how the patina tells its own story. Editor: Absolutely, from its production to its wear, each coin is a record of its own journey through material and social space.