Dinar of al-Mustansir, Tarabulus c. 11th century

Curator: Up next, we have the Dinar of al-Mustansir from Tarabulus, residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Just imagine the stories this coin could tell! Editor: It has such a warm, almost comforting glow to it. You know, the kind of gold that feels less like wealth and more like…sunlight? Curator: The use of script here is incredible. The circular design, mirroring the coin’s form, almost feels like a visual echo of language. Editor: That’s interesting. The script’s certainly elegant but I think it’s the circularity that speaks to me. It's a mandala, promising a certain sense of wholeness, of completion. Curator: It’s funny, isn’t it? This small object represents power and trade, yet it invites us to ponder something far beyond its monetary value. Editor: Absolutely. It’s a portal, not just to a specific time, but to the dreams and aspirations of people who lived then. Curator: Indeed. Let's move on to the next exhibit.