Lot 4008

Description

al-Mahdi, (A.H. 158-169) (A.D. 775-785), silver dirhams, Al Abbasiyah mint (near Qairawan, Tunisia, North Africa), A.H. 164, 165, 166, 169 = A.D. 780, 781, 782, 785, (A.215, cf.M.164). Crude issues as usual, otherwise fine to good very fine. (4)

ex Steve Album by private purchase 1980, and list 10 (no. 102, for year 165), year 164, ex Glendinning July 10, 1985 (lot 421 part). The additional legend in reverse field cites Abu Khalid Yazid (154-170), Governor of Ifriqua, belonging to the Banu Mughallab. Some of the above issues have striations caused from `show-through' from the other side of the coin and are characteristic of dirhems struck at North Africa mints in this period. It is from this ruler that the coins begin to carry overt indications of the authority under which they were issued, in the shape of a name, at first that of the governor of the province or origin but shortly afterwards by the Caliph's name.