Half Follis of Herakleios, Nicomedia 611 - 612

Curator: Here we have a Half Follis of Herakleios, from Nicomedia, crafted under Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate. Editor: It's remarkable how something so small carries such weight. The patina tells a story of being handled and circulated. Curator: Indeed. Consider its historical context. This coin speaks to a time of transition, reflecting the cultural and political shifts as the Umayyad Caliphate expanded. Editor: The crude engraving, though worn, hints at the local production. It's fascinating to think about the artisan who physically made this coin and the labor involved. Curator: And the symbolism is intriguing – the adaptation of Byzantine iconography within a burgeoning Islamic empire demonstrates a fascinating moment of cultural negotiation. Editor: It makes you consider the material reality of power. This small disc was a crucial tool in trade, taxation, and control. Curator: A small object with huge implications for understanding a complex period of history. Editor: Exactly. It's amazing what survives and what those survivals can tell us about the hands that made them and the world they lived in.