Lot 4278

Description

Saffarid, `Amr b. al-Layth, (A.H. 265-288) (A.D. 879-901), silver dirham, with Amir's name below Kalina, citing Al Mu'tamid (256-279), Fars mint, A.H. 269 = A.D. 883, (A.1402, cf.M. 623-624). Full strike weak in places but with complete legends, very fine and rare.

The Saffarids have a dynastic name that derives from the profession of the founder who had been a coppersmith (saffar in Persian) before turning to military adventure. The empire lasted from A.H.253 until it was conquered by the Seljuqs in A.H.440. The dynasty was later restored and survived until the Mongol invasions.