Coin of al-Awhad, Mayyafariqin (Silvan) c. 13th century

Curator: This is a coin of al-Awhad from Mayyafariqin, now Silvan, Turkey, a copper alloy weighing about 10 grams. The material feels so tactile, doesn't it? You can practically feel the trace amounts of other metals mingling with the copper. Editor: Absolutely, and there's something profound about holding currency—a symbol of power and exchange. I am especially struck by the cultural implications of using currency to represent power during times of conflict. Curator: Indeed, the minting process itself speaks volumes. The careful combination of metals, the die-striking technique—it all reflects the socio-economic dynamics of the time. It would be fascinating to look at the labor practices of the mint. Editor: Considering the region and likely historical period, who was depicted and why on this coin may reveal much about who controlled the wealth and resources. What does it tell us about the power structures of the era? Curator: Such a tiny, humble artifact carries such a heavy weight of history. Editor: Precisely. It is a potent reminder of the human stories intertwined with even the smallest objects.