Coin of Herakleios c. 637 - 638

Curator: This is the Coin of Herakleios, created by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Dynasty. Editor: The impression is surprisingly crude, but the gold itself has a lovely luster! You can see the trace of the hammer used to stamp it. Curator: Indeed. Its creation reflects a pivotal moment when the Umayyads began asserting their own cultural and economic identity. This wasn't just currency; it was a statement. Editor: Look at how the imagery—those standing figures and the cross—speak to a fascinating blend of Byzantine tradition being reworked through new labor. Curator: It’s a real example of political and religious negotiation playing out in the visual sphere, marking the transition from Byzantine to Islamic rule in the region. Editor: It makes you consider the real weight of gold, both financially and culturally, through touch, trade and display, it’s a powerful thing. Curator: Absolutely. It's a reminder that even the smallest objects can carry immense historical weight. Editor: A material testament of power and purpose that still resonates today.