Islamic Coins

Lot 4090       Islamic Coins

Estimate $80
Bid at live.noble.com.au

AL-MAHDI, (A.H. 158-169) (A.D. 775-785), silver dirham, Al Abbasiyah mint (near Qairawan, Tunisia, North Africa), A.H. 163, = A.D. 779, another of al-Ma'mun (A.H. 198-218) (A.D. 813-833), Marv mint, (Merv), A.H. 217 = A.D. 832, (A.215, 223, cf.M.164, Marv mint not in M., BMC or Lavoix for this ruler). First a crude issue as usual, second holed, otherwise fine to very fine, both scarce. (2)

The additional legend in reverse field of the Al Abbasiyah mint issue cites Abu Khalid Yazid (154-170), Governor of Ifriqua, belonging to the Banu Mughallab. This North Africa issue have striations caused by `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.