Relations between numismatists and historians have been confused by uncertainties about each other’s role. As well as classifying coins numismatists should study them with a view to answering historical questions. This paper examines the ways in which coins convey information and illustrates the potential, as well as the problems, of using numismatics in answering some of the questions posed by the study of seventh century Syria. It also warns against the danger of pre-conceptions about the role of coinage and the status of different forms of evidence.