Dirham of Hisham, Damascus 735 - 736

Curator: Here we have a Dirham, a silver coin, from Damascus under the reign of Hisham. It’s a small thing, just under 3 grams. Editor: The patina of age is striking, almost ghost-like. It whispers of stories of trade and faith, the Arabic calligraphy frozen in time. Curator: These Dirhams weren't just currency; they were powerful symbols of Umayyad authority and economic stability, circulating through vast trade networks. Editor: Note the central inscriptions, the shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, surrounded by circular inscriptions, like concentric ripples of belief radiating outward. Curator: Indeed, the repetitive declaration reinforced religious and political unity, a visual reminder of the caliphate's ideology, which had a very deliberate function. Editor: And, of course, the hole. Perhaps this Dirham wasn't always just money, but also a decorative object, worn or displayed as an amulet. Curator: It's a reminder that even the most mundane objects carry immense cultural and political weight. Editor: It's fascinating how this tiny disc encapsulates so much history and echoes with such symbolic resonance.