Coin of Herakleios c. 7th century

Curator: This coin of Herakleios, likely made under Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyads, intrigues me. The patina hints at a rich history, a story etched in metal. Editor: It looks so worn. You can see the weight of time and use. What was it made from? Curator: We know it weighs 11.53 grams, which suggests bronze, though the exact composition warrants further study. Note how the figures are depicted with a Byzantine flavor, yet the Arabic inscription hints at a cultural shift. Editor: I see a clear attempt to adapt visual language. The figures, though classical in style, are presented in a way that feels…almost abstracted. There's a tension between the old and the new, the classical past and the rising Islamic influence. Curator: Precisely! The coin becomes a site where cultural identities collide and negotiate. What symbols persist? What new meanings are assigned? These questions reveal profound shifts in power and belief. Editor: Thinking about who handled this, and the labor that went into it, makes it much more meaningful. Thanks for sharing this. Curator: It's fascinating how a small object can encapsulate such complex historical forces.