Coin of Herakleios c. 639 - 640

Editor: Here we have a coin of Herakleios made by Abd-al-Malik. It's a small, weighty thing. What’s striking is the wear and the story this object tells, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Absolutely. Consider the material itself. It’s not gold or silver but bronze, indicative of everyday transactions, the lifeblood of society. And the act of minting – how does that relate to power and control? Editor: It’s a basic form of economy. Can you tell me more? Curator: Certainly, this wasn't just about exchange. It was about asserting dominance, appropriating Byzantine imagery, then modifying it towards Islamic designs. Each strike of the die was a statement. Food for thought, right? Editor: Definitely! It’s fascinating to consider the coin as a tool for more than just monetary exchange.