Coin of Herakleios c. 639 - 641

Editor: Here we have a gold coin, supposedly from the Umayyad dynasty, attributed to Abd-al-Malik, called “Coin of Herakleios”. I’m struck by how worn it looks, yet the figures are still visible. What can you tell me about the materials and production of this coin? Curator: Well, consider the materiality of gold itself. It's a valuable resource, a symbol of wealth and power. Crafting coins from it isn't just about fiscal exchange, but about controlling resources and projecting authority. The wear suggests widespread circulation and handling. Think about where the gold came from, who mined it, and the labor involved in striking these coins. Editor: So, it’s not just art, but a record of economic and social structures? Curator: Precisely. It reveals the channels of trade, the social hierarchies, and the technological capabilities of the time. We can see how materials and making are completely intertwined with power. Editor: That’s a new way of looking at ancient coins for me. Thanks!