Dirham of Marwan II, Wasit 747 - 748

Curator: Here we have a Dirham of Marwan II, minted in Wasit. Editor: It looks well-worn, doesn’t it? The inscriptions are still visible, but it's clearly seen a lot of use. Curator: Absolutely. These coins were not just currency; they were tools for propagating the ruler's authority. The inscriptions, carefully placed, were a constant reminder of Marwan II's power. Editor: Right, we need to remember the labor involved in minting these. Silver wasn't just appearing out of nowhere; somebody had to dig it up, refine it, and then painstakingly strike these coins. How much did this weigh, like 2.66 grams? Curator: Approximately, yes. And think about the political implications too. Wasit was an important center during the Umayyad Caliphate, and coins like these would have played a critical role in trade and administration across a vast territory. Editor: It's amazing to hold something so small that signifies so much, both materially and historically. Curator: Exactly. Every scratch tells a story.