Coin of Herakleios c. 612 - 613

Editor: Here we have an artifact, a Coin of Herakleios crafted by Abd-al-Malik. Its worn surface suggests a long history. The texture is really interesting. What do you see in the visual composition that stands out to you? Curator: The deliberate placement of figures on one face and text on the other exemplifies early Islamic numismatic design. Note the die engraver's careful attention to detail, despite the coin's small scale. The circular form itself, a closed system, reinforces the coin's intrinsic value and authority. Editor: I see. So the design and shape are as important as what is represented. It’s fascinating how a simple coin can reveal so much about artistic intention! Curator: Indeed. The very act of striking the coin transforms base metal into a symbolic object with far-reaching implications. The arrangement of forms and symbols, rather than their representational accuracy, conveys power.