Coin of Herakleios c. 637 - 638

Curator: Here we have a gold coin, "Coin of Herakleios," minted by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad Caliphate. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by its scale, the intricate detail pressed into such a small surface, and the enduring allure of gold itself. Curator: Indeed. The coin features standing figures, echoing Byzantine imperial iconography, subtly asserting power and legitimacy within a visual language understood by both cultures. Editor: I'm curious about the labor. Creating these dies, striking the coins… the level of craftsmanship speaks to a highly organized economic system. Curator: It's a fascinating example of cultural and symbolic appropriation, transforming pre-existing imagery to communicate a new order. The cross, for example, transformed or repurposed. Editor: The material itself lends authority. Gold as a signifier of wealth, control of trade routes, and access to precious materials. Curator: Absolutely. Symbols reframed, power redefined. Editor: A testament to the intersection of craft, commerce, and the enduring human desire for power.