Summary

Dinar coin issued by the Abassid Caliph al-Rashid (786-809 AD). Struck at the Damascus mint (probable) in the year 178 AH (794-795 AD). The coinage reform which led to the issue of this coin began in 77 AH (696-697 AD) under the Umayyad Caliph 'Abd al-Malik. It removed all symbolism associated with Byzantine or Sassanian rule. Instead a purely inscriptional coin-type, giving in Arabic ( script and language) the Muslim confession of faith, and various Qur'anic verses were employed. On gold coins the date is of production is provided but not the name of the mint, it is believed that Damascus was the sole gold mint.

Obverse Description

At centre Arabic legend (Kufic script) in three lines (translation: There is no deity except God alone, He has no equal); around Arabic legend (translation: Muhammad is the prophet of God sent with guidance and the religion of truth to make it prevail over all religion, averse although idolaters may be - source: Codrington p.23)

Reverse Description

At centre Arabic legend (Kufic script) in four lines (translation: Mohammad is the messenger of Allah - source: Plant p.44); around Arabic legend (translation: In the Name of Allah this dinar was struck in the year eight and seventy and one hundred)

Edge Description

Plain

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