Lot 5077

Description

Murabitids, (Almoravids), 'Ali b. Yusuf, (A.H. 500-537) (A.D. 1106-1142), gold dinar, (4.030 grams), Nul Lamtah mint (a caravan depot on the Wadi Nun in southern Morocco), struck in fine gold, A.H. 535 = A.D. 1140-1141, (A.466, Hazard 389). Has been mounted on the edge, otherwise good very fine and rare.

Ex Steve Album with his packet. The Almoravids who were members of a religious movement among the Berbers of North Africa which overran Morocco, struck coins in gold and silver. Their capital was Marrakesh but the empire soon extended to Spain after the Spanish conquests in the 480's (1090's). Some of their coins show exquisite calligraphic art (as in this example). The coins were struck at mints in both North Africa and Spain. The isasue of these gold dinars have fine caligraphy and are sought after by collectors.