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Dirham - al-Ma'mun citing 'Abd Allah
| Issuer | Abbasid Caliphate |
|---|---|
| Year | 811-825 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Dinar (750-1517) |
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| Obverse description | Central field bears the Islamic profession of faith (shahada) arranged in three horizontal lines: 'There is no god but God alone, with no partner.' The marginal legend in Arabic Kufic script records the mint and date formula: 'In the name of God, this dirham was struck at al-Shash in the year one hundred and ninety-five (195 AH).' The inscription is executed in the characteristic angular Kufic style of early Abbasid coinage, with no figurative imagery, conforming strictly to aniconic Islamic numismatic tradition. The field is plain, with the text serving as the sole decorative and informational element. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central field contains a vertical arrangement of religious and political legends in angular Kufic Arabic script, reading: 'For God. Muhammad is the Messenger of God.' The intermediate field names the issuing authority: 'By order of the Imam al-Ma'mun, 'Abd Allah, Commander of the Faithful (Amir al-Mu'minin),' with the name 'Harthama' appearing below as a mint official or governor. The marginal legend carries the Quranic verse (9:33): 'Muhammad is the Messenger of God, who sent him with guidance and the religion of truth, that He may make it prevail over all religions, even if the polytheists are averse.' The reverse follows the standard Abbasid typology, with all inscriptions in plain Kufic script on an unadorned field. |
| Reverse script | Arabic |
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