Dirham of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad, Rayy 680 - 681

Curator: Here we have a dirham of Ubaydullah bin Ziyad, minted in Rayy. It's an intriguing piece offering insight into the social and political dynamics of its time. Editor: It's surprisingly heavy for its size, almost three grams, and cold to the touch. The silver is worn, smoothing the details, but the craftsmanship still shines through. Curator: Absolutely. The imagery used, particularly the portrait, served a distinct purpose. Think about the symbolic weight of projecting power through coinage. Editor: And the labor involved! Mining, smelting, die-cutting – this tiny disc represents a network of human effort and material extraction. It speaks volumes about the social organization. Curator: Indeed, coins like these were more than just currency. They were tools of propaganda, extending the ruler’s image and authority. Editor: Holding this, you sense the layers of history pressed into the metal. Each transaction, each hand it passed through tells a story of trade and power. Curator: Examining this dirham gives us a window into the past and the calculated use of imagery in shaping political narratives. Editor: And a potent reminder of the often invisible labor that underpins even the smallest objects of power.