Dirham of al-Mahdi, Madina-t al-Salam (Baghdad) c. 8th century

Curator: Here we have a dirham of al-Mahdi, minted in Madina-t al-Salam, what we know today as Baghdad. It’s a silver coin, weighing just under 3 grams. Editor: It's strangely beautiful, isn't it? Like a tiny, worn mirror reflecting a distant empire. I see an echo of immense power in such a small object. Curator: Absolutely. These dirhams played a crucial role in the Abbasid Caliphate's economy and political power. Their wide circulation facilitated trade and symbolized the Caliph's authority. Editor: I love imagining where this coin has been, who held it, what was bought and sold with it. Each scratch and dent tells a story. It connects us to the past in a very tangible way. Curator: Indeed, coins like this one provide valuable insights into trade routes, economic policies, and even religious and political ideologies of the time. It speaks volumes. Editor: It's amazing how an object so small can contain so much history and resonate so deeply across centuries. A little piece of eternity.