Follis of Herakleios, Constantinople 

Curator: This is a Follis of Herakleios from Constantinople. The piece, weighing just over 10 grams, was created by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad dynasty. Editor: Wow, it’s small, but it feels heavy with history, right? I see the wear and tear, almost like it's whispering stories of old empires and trade routes. Curator: Absolutely. This coin presents a fascinating intersection of cultures. The Umayyads, while an Islamic dynasty, initially adopted Byzantine coin designs. It reflects a complex negotiation of power and identity. Editor: It makes me wonder about the hands this coin passed through. Did it empower someone, or was it just another cog in the machine? Curator: It’s an intriguing question. Coins were tools of imperial power and economic exchange, but also potent symbols of identity and resistance. Editor: Right, it’s like a tiny, tangible piece of a much larger puzzle. Thanks for sharing that insight. Curator: My pleasure. It highlights how even seemingly small objects can open up expansive historical and social landscapes.