Dinar of al-Hakim, Misr 1015 - 1016

Curator: Here we have a Dinar of al-Hakim, from Misr, which is now located in the Harvard Art Museums. What's striking to you about this piece? Editor: The immediate feeling is a sense of history, of course, but also the weight of power rendered in gold. Currency always tells a story about societal values, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. The intricacy of the calligraphy, pressed so precisely into such a small space, speaks volumes about the importance of the written word and the power of the ruler, Al-Hakim, whose name it bears. Editor: It is a dense visual field, isn't it? The circular format, layered inscriptions... What was the socio-political message conveyed by this piece of currency? Curator: Beyond its economic function, it was a potent symbol of authority, circulating the ruler's image and message throughout the kingdom. Each coin became a tiny ambassador. Editor: It is interesting to see the past represented in such a small object, yet loaded with symbolic meaning about power and belief. It prompts a reflection on how value is always culturally constructed. Curator: Yes, and even now, holding this image, we're participating in that construction, aren’t we?