Coin of Herakleios c. 613 - 616

Editor: This is a gold coin of Herakleios, by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyads. It feels like a crossroads, a merging of cultures perhaps? What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Absolutely. These coins are fascinating. Originally, Abd-al-Malik replicated Byzantine coinage to appease the local population, but eventually transitioned to Islamic imagery. It highlights the Umayyad’s strategic consolidation of power and a gradual shift in visual and political language. Editor: So, it's more than just currency; it’s a statement? Curator: Precisely. It reflects the complex negotiation of power and identity in a changing world. What do you make of the inscriptions? Editor: I see the shift in imagery as very powerful, almost like a visual declaration. Curator: It certainly signals an important transition, doesn't it?