Coin of Herakleios c. 613 - 618

Editor: Here we have the "Coin of Herakleios" by Abd-al-Malik. It looks incredibly worn, almost like it's been pulled from the earth itself. What strikes me is the degradation of the material. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The coin's circular form, though eroded, still dictates the composition. The bas-relief imagery, however faint, engages with the viewer through the play of light and shadow across its surface. Editor: So, you focus more on the shape and how the light hits it, rather than its historical significance? Curator: Precisely. We can also consider how the artist manipulated the metal to create depth and texture. Do you see the subtle variations in the surface? It almost transcends its original function. Editor: I guess I was too caught up in what it *was* to really see it. Thanks!