Coin of Alpi c. 12th century

Curator: Here we have a "Coin of Alpi", minted by Najm al-Din Alpi. It’s a small, copper coin, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It’s remarkable, isn't it? There’s something incredibly human about holding something so small yet so imbued with a desire for legacy. Curator: Indeed. Coins like these served as tools of political messaging. Alpi used coinage to assert authority and disseminate his image. Editor: This object visualizes power, but it's power deeply intertwined with the economy and daily life. It's a reminder that these rulers weren't distant figures. Curator: Absolutely, and the circulation of these coins would influence trade routes and the cultural landscape of the region. Editor: And the way it feels to hold it connects you to all the lives it has touched. That awareness is so crucial for cultural understanding. Curator: Exactly. It's a testament to the enduring power of even the smallest objects to tell vast stories. Editor: And a reminder of how the past continues to shape our present, one coin at a time.