Coin of Herakleios c. 619 - 620

Editor: Here we have the "Coin of Herakleios," made by Abd-al-Malik. The worn metal surface makes me think about its long life in circulation. What can you tell me about this coin's role in history? Curator: This coin reveals the Umayyad dynasty's complex negotiation with existing Byzantine power structures. By imitating Byzantine coinage, Abd-al-Malik asserted his dominance while also communicating with populations accustomed to a particular visual language of power. Consider how this seemingly small object served a crucial function in shaping public perception and consolidating political authority. Editor: So, it's more than just money; it's a statement. Curator: Precisely. It highlights how art, even in its most utilitarian forms, is always embedded in a web of social and political meanings. What were the stories such coins carried, and for whom? Editor: I never thought about a coin carrying stories before! It's amazing how much history can be packed into one small object.