Fulus of Sulayman Shah, with Horseman right and Kufic legend c. 12th century

Curator: Here we have a "Fulus of Sulayman Shah, with Horseman right and Kufic legend" of an unknown date, minted by Rukn ad-Din Sulayman Shah. It weighs just 7.74 grams. Editor: My first thought? This looks like a piece of buried treasure. The wear on the edges whispers stories of a life lived in pockets and pouches. Curator: Indeed. The Kufic script, a very early angular form of Arabic, encircles the horseman, framing the central image with authority and tradition. Editor: It's funny how such a small, almost insignificant object can carry so much symbolic weight, isn't it? A horseman, a king, all pressed onto this tiny metal canvas. Curator: It really does give a sense of how power was conveyed through very controlled imagery, in a pre-mass-media era. Editor: It makes me wonder who held this coin, what they bought, and if they knew they were touching a piece of history. Curator: I agree, it’s a captivating object that provides glimpses into another time, both precious and imperfect. Editor: I see a symbol of impermanence and endurance, all rolled into one little coin.