Dinar of Nur al-Din Mahmud, Al-Iskandariyah c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have a gold dinar, made by Nur al-Din Mahmud in Al-Iskandariyah. It feels weighty, literally and figuratively! What can you tell me about its role in society? Curator: Well, beyond its obvious economic function, this coin embodies power. Minting currency was a sovereign act. The inscriptions, likely Koranic verses and the ruler's name, broadcast authority and religious legitimacy. Think about the messages it conveys every time it changes hands. Editor: So it’s a propaganda tool as much as a trade tool? Curator: Precisely. And consider where it was made, Al-Iskandariyah, a major Mediterranean port. This coin connected vast trade networks, solidifying Nur al-Din’s influence across different cultures. Editor: I hadn’t thought about the implications of its location of origin. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It shows how much even a small object can tell us about the world.