Publication Date
IX century
Publication Place
-
Art History Museum
Subject
silver
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
4.35 غرام ، 30 مم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
MK_OR_7283
Record ID
object;EPM;at;Mus22;41;ar
Library Location
Art History Museum
Date
IX century
Notes
This unique silver representative coin from the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mutawakkil (847 - 61 AD) is of commemorative importance. As the only surviving example in the world, it is now in the coin collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. It follows the style of Sassanid coins, and the upper side (the tora) depicts a portrait of the Caliph, and the reverse side (the inscription) depicts a man holding the muzzle of an Arabian camel. The content of the inscription is: “In the name of God, Muhammad is the Messenger of God, the one who trusts in God,” and on the reverse side: “In the year 241 AH - 855/6 AD, Al-Mu’tazz Billah.” Such commemorative coins were distributed among the public on special occasions. We know that Al-Mutawakkil owned five million silver coins minted in order to distribute them like flower petals among the gathered guests. This coin could also have been minted as a commemorative coin, as its reverse side is reminiscent of Biğāh, a camel he rode from Sudan.
Sample Text
“Gift Coin” within Discover Islamic Art Collections. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;EPM;at;Mus22;41;ar
