Islamic Medieval Coins: Complete Guide

From Umayyad reform to global trade – the art, history, and identification of Islamic coinage

c. 650–1500 AD Epigraphic Coinage Arabic Script
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WHAT ARE ISLAMIC MEDIEVAL COINS?

The epigraphic coinage of the Islamic world from Spain to India

Definition & Historical Significance

Islamic medieval coins are the monetary issues of Islamic states and dynasties from approximately 650 AD (post-conquest period) to 1500 AD (late medieval era). These coins represent a revolutionary shift from portrait-based to text-based coinage, establishing one of history's most consistent numismatic traditions.

Epigraphic Revolution

  • No portraits (aniconic principle)
  • Arabic calligraphy as primary design element
  • Religious phrases (Shahada, Quranic verses)
  • Historical information: ruler, mint, date

Collector Advantages

  • Dates often included (AH years)
  • Mint cities frequently named
  • Dynastic identification usually clear
  • Large quantities survived (especially silver)

Four Major Periods Collectors Track

🔄
Transitional
650–698 AD

Characteristics: Arab-Sasanian, Arab-Byzantine imitations

Examples: Sasanian-style drachms with Arabic margins

Collector Note: Rare, bridges late antique and Islamic

🌟
Classical
698–1258 AD

Characteristics: Standardized epigraphic coinage

Examples: Umayyad and Abbasid dirhams/dinars

Collector Note: Peak of Islamic numismatic art

🏰
Regional Dynasties
900–1300 AD

Characteristics: Fatimid, Seljuk, Ayyubid, Mamluk styles

Examples: Regional variations, new denominations

Collector Note: Diverse artistic expressions

📜
Late Medieval
1300–1500 AD

Characteristics: Timurd, Ottoman, Mughal early issues

Examples: Complex designs, multiple languages

Collector Note: Transition to early modern styles

What Makes Islamic Coins Unique vs. European

📝
Text-Only Design

Arabic inscriptions replace portraits and figurative art entirely

🌍
Geographic Range

From Spain to India, hundreds of mints across three continents

📅
AH Dating System

Hijri calendar dates (e.g., 145 AH = 762/763 AD)

Essential Islamic Coin Resources

Arabic Script Coin Guide World Coins Overview Medieval Coins Context
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THE BIRTH OF ISLAMIC COINAGE

From late antique traditions to Islamic epigraphic revolution

Pre-Islamic Money in Circulation

When Islamic rule expanded in the 7th century, it inherited the monetary systems of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. Early Islamic coinage adapted these existing traditions before developing its distinctive style.

🏛️

Byzantine Influence

Solidus/Dinar: Gold coinage standard continued

Copper Follis: Byzantine-style copper coins in Syria/Egypt

Initial Imitations: Arab-Byzantine types with crosses modified

Transition: Greek replaced by Arabic, crosses removed

👑

Sasanian Influence

Drachm/Dirham: Silver standard adopted and adapted

Portrait Tradition: Sasanian king busts initially retained

Arab-Sasanian Coinage: Persian designs with Arabic marginal legends

Reform: 'Abd al-Malik eliminated portraits completely

Key Transitional Coin Types (650–698 AD)

Arab-Sasanian Drachms

Sasanian-style bust with Arabic "bismillah" in margins

Standing Caliph Types

Transitional: caliph standing with sword, Arabic legends

Arab-Byzantine Gold

Byzantine solidus imitations with modified crosses

Bilingual Issues

Greek/Arabic or Pahlavi/Arabic combinations

Why Islamic Coinage Emerged

🕌
Religious Identity

Distinct Islamic identity separate from Byzantine/Sasanian traditions

💱
Monetary Unification

Standardize diverse currencies across expanding caliphate

📜
Political Statement

Assert caliphal authority through coinage reform

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THE UMAYYAD REFORM THAT SHAPED EVERYTHING

'Abd al-Malik's revolutionary standardization in 697–698 AD

The 698 AD Monetary Revolution

Caliph 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan's reform created the definitive Islamic coinage system that would influence all subsequent issues. This was the "Anastasius reform" of the Islamic world.

🔄

What Changed

Portraits Eliminated: Complete shift to epigraphic design

Standardized Legends: Central field + circular marginal legend

Religious Formulas: Shahada and Quranic verses standardized

Mint & Date: Consistently included on most coins

🎨

New Standard Design

Obverse: Central Shahada field, marginal legend with mint/date

Reverse: Central Quranic verse, marginal legend with date continuation

Style: Kufic script, clear circular organization

Innovation: First purely epigraphic coinage in history

Why This Reform Matters to Collectors

🔍
Identification Clarity

Standard layout makes finding mint and date systematic

📅
Consistent Dating

AH dates appear regularly from this point forward

🏛️
Mint Network

Established empire-wide mint system with standard dies

Post-Reform Umayyad Standard Types

Gold Dinar

Weight: ~4.25g
Legend: "There is no god but God alone"
Reverse: "He is God, One, Eternal"
Mint/Date: Margin, e.g., "Dimashq 79"

Silver Dirham

Weight: ~2.97g
Size: Broad, thin flan (25-30mm)
Layout: Same as dinar but larger diameter
Mints: Dozens across caliphate

Copper Fals

Weight: Variable
Legends: Often shorter, regional variations
Challenge: Less standardized than precious metals
Survival: Often worn, corroded

Collector Strategy for Umayyad Coins

Start with dirhams: More affordable than dinars, abundant

Focus on mints: Damascus, Wasit, Kufa most common

Look for dates: Many Umayyad coins dated by AH year

Condition expectation: Silver often porous, copper often corroded

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METALS & DENOMINATIONS (CORE CHAPTER)

The Islamic monetary hierarchy: Dinar, Dirham, Fals system

The Three-Metal Islamic System

Islamic coinage maintained distinct metals for different economic functions, with gold for high-value transactions, silver for daily trade, and copper for local commerce.

🥇

Gold

Dinar - Imperial Currency
Umayyad/Abbasid Dinar

Weight: 4.25g (theoretical standard)
Purity: ~97% gold (high standard maintained)
Function: State payments, international trade, hoarding
Typical Look: Small (19-21mm), thick, high relief Arabic

Fatimid Dinar

Weight: ~4.2g (slightly variable)
Style: Multiple circular legends, dense script
Innovation: Often dated with both AH and regnal year
Notable: Al-Mustansir's dinars exceptionally pure

Later Medieval Gold

Examples: Mamluk, Timurid, early Ottoman
Changes: Weight standards vary by dynasty
Design: More complex layouts, sometimes portraits return
Collectibility: High demand, often expensive

Why Islamic Gold Matters: Maintained high purity for centuries, international trade currency from Spain to India, exceptional calligraphic art

🥈

Silver

Dirham - Commercial Workhorse
Standard Dirham

Weight: ~2.97g (Umayyad/Abbasid standard)
Size: Broad, thin flan (25-30mm diameter)
Function: Daily commerce, tax payments, salaries
Survival Rate: High - millions struck annually

Regional Variations

Spanish Dirham: Often lighter, distinctive script

Fatimid Dirham: High silver content, artistic

Seljuk Dirham: Often debased, wide variety

Mamluk Dirham: Small, dense inscriptions

Half & Quarter Dirhams

Nisf Dirham: Half dirham (common)
Rub' Dirham: Quarter dirham (less common)
Identification: Same design, smaller size
Collector Note: Often better preserved than full dirhams

Why Dirhams Are Collector Friendly: Affordable, abundant, often include mint and date, teach script reading, available in all conditions

🥉

Copper/Bronze

Fals - Local Currency
Early Islamic Fals

Weight: Highly variable (2-10g)
Standardization: Less consistent than precious metals
Challenge: Often worn, corroded, short legends
Attribution: Requires mint and partial date

Regional Copper Issues

Umayyad: Often imitative of Byzantine folles

Abbasid: More standardized, sometimes dated

Spanish: Distinctive "kufic square" script

Egyptian: Often bilingual (Arabic/Coptic)

Later Medieval Copper

Mamluk: Often small, dense inscriptions

Timurid: Sometimes include Persian poetry

Ottoman Early: Transitional to akçe system

Challenge: Many local issues hard to attribute

Collector Value: Affordable entry point, teaches attribution with challenges, often undervalued, important for regional history

Weight Standards Evolution

Dynasty Dinar Weight Dirham Weight Purity Notes
Umayyad 4.25g 2.97g High standard maintained
Abbasid 4.25g 2.97g Consistent until 9th century
Fatimid 4.2g ~3.0g Exceptionally pure gold
Seljuk Variable Often debased Regional variations common
Mamluk 3.4g (later) 1.5-2.0g Silver often debased
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HOW ISLAMIC COINS ARE DESIGNED (THE TEXT MAP)

Understanding the epigraphic layout and information hierarchy

The Anatomy of an Islamic Coin

Islamic coins follow consistent design principles with text organized in specific fields. Learning this layout is the key to successful identification.

Standard Three-Part Layout

①
Central Field (Qalib)

Content: Core religious message or ruler's name

Examples: Shahada, Quranic verses, caliph's name

Position: Central circle or square

Importance: Main ideological statement

②
Inner Margin (Hāshiya)

Content: Secondary religious text or titles

Examples: "Muhammad is the messenger of God"

Position: Circle around central field

Importance: Completes religious formula

③
Outer Margin (Taraf)

Content: Practical information

Examples: Mint name, date, sometimes Quranic continuation

Position: Outer circle, often hardest to read

Importance: Key for attribution and dating

Major Layout Variations by Dynasty

Umayyad Standard

Obverse: Central Shahada, margin: mint/date
Reverse: Central Quran 112, margin: continuation
Style: Clean, spacious Kufic script

Abbasid Common

Obverse: Central ruler's name and titles
Reverse: Central religious formula
Style: Often denser script, more text

Fatimid Style

Feature: Multiple concentric circles
Layout: Often three separate text rings
Style: Elegant script, careful spacing

Mamluk Dense

Feature: Extremely dense inscriptions
Challenge: Small coins with tiny script
Style: Naskh script, abbreviations common

Collector's Reading Strategy

1
Start with Outer Margin

Look for mint name and date first - most useful for identification

2
Identify Central Field

Determine if it's Shahada, ruler's name, or Quranic verse

3
Check Inner Margin

Usually completes religious formula or adds titles

4
Compare to Known Types

Match layout style to dynasty and period

Common Text Patterns to Recognize

لا اله الا الله
Shahada (Part 1)

"There is no god but God" - appears in central field on many coins

محمد رسول الله
Shahada (Part 2)

"Muhammad is the messenger of God" - often in inner margin

بسم الله
Basmala

"In the name of God" - common opening phrase

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ARABIC SCRIPT BASICS FOR COIN COLLECTORS

Practical script recognition, not a language lesson

Arabic on Coins: A Collector-Focused Approach

You don't need to read Arabic fluently to identify Islamic coins. Focus on recognizing key patterns, numbers, and common phrases that appear repeatedly.

Essential Arabic Coin Facts

➡️
Right-to-Left

Arabic reads right to left, but coins are circular - start at 6 o'clock and read clockwise

🔤
Letter Forms Change

Letters look different depending on position (initial, medial, final, isolated)

⭕
Circular Layout

Text flows around circle, often starting and ending at bottom

High-Frequency "Coin Words" to Recognize

ضرب
Duriba

Meaning: "Struck"
Appearance: Often before mint name
Example: "ضرب بغداد" = Struck at Baghdad

سنة
Sanat

Meaning: "Year"
Appearance: Before AH date
Example: "سنة خمس وثمانين" = Year 85

امير المؤمنين
Amir al-Mu'minin

Meaning: "Commander of the Faithful"
Appearance: Caliphal title after name

Arabic-Indic Numerals (Dates)

Western Arabic-Indic Appearance on Coins
1 ١ Simple vertical stroke
2 ٢ Like reversed 7
3 ٣ Like reversed 8 without top
4 ٤ Like reversed 3
5 ٥ Circle
6 ٦ Like 7
7 ٧ V shape
8 ٨ Like inverted V
9 ٩ Like 9 with tail
0 ٠ Dot (often unclear)

Script Styles Evolution on Coins

Early (7th–9th Century)

Script: Kufic - angular, geometric
Features: Vertical strokes, right angles
Readability: Generally clear, spaced

Middle (10th–12th Century)

Script: Transitional styles
Features: More cursive elements appear
Readability: Varies by region and mint

Late (13th–15th Century)

Script: Naskh, Thuluth
Features: Cursive, flowing, dense
Readability: Often challenging, tiny script

For detailed script reading help:

Arabic Coin Identification Guide
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DATES ON ISLAMIC COINS (AH YEARS & CONVERSION)

Understanding Hijri dating and converting to AD

The Hijri (AH) Calendar System

Islamic coins use the Hijri calendar, which begins in 622 AD (the year of Muhammad's migration to Medina). AH dates appear on most Islamic coins from the Umayyad reform onward.

What AH Means

📅
Anno Hegirae

"Year of the Hijra" - Islamic calendar starting point

🌙
Lunar Calendar

12 lunar months = ~354 days (11 days shorter than solar year)

🔄
Conversion Needed

AH years don't align with AD years - each crosses two AD years

Where Dates Appear on Coins

Umayyad Style

Location: Outer margin, often with mint
Format: "Sanat X" (Year X)
Example: "Sanat thalathin wa-mi'a" = Year 130

Abbasid Style

Location: Usually outer margin
Variation: Sometimes includes month
Note: Often spelled out in words, not numerals

Fatimid Style

Feature: Often includes regnal year too
Format: AH year + "fi sanat X" (in year X of reign)
Value: Provides exact reign year

How to Convert AH to AD

🧮
Simple Formula

AD = AH × 0.97 + 622
Example: 100 AH ≈ 100 × 0.97 + 622 = 719 AD
Note: Approximate, gives start year

📱
Online Converters

Recommended: Use specialized Hijri converters
Accuracy: Accounts for lunar calendar complexities
Result: Gives AD range (e.g., 100 AH = 718–719 AD)

📚
Reference Tables

Collector Use: Keep printed conversion table
Practicality: Quick reference during attribution
Tip: ±1 year acceptable for most collecting

Key AH Dates Every Collector Should Know

AH Year AD Equivalent Historical Significance
79 AH 698/699 AD Umayyad reform - first epigraphic coinage
132 AH 749/750 AD Abbasid revolution begins
297 AH 909/910 AD Fatimid Caliphate established
447 AH 1055/1056 AD Seljuks capture Baghdad
648 AH 1250/1251 AD Mamluk Sultanate begins
Practical Date Handling for Collectors

Record both: Keep AH date in records, add AD conversion for context

Approximation acceptable: Exact conversion less critical than mint and ruler

Watch for style: Early dates often spelled out, later use numerals

Condition affects: Date often in worn outer margin - partial reading common

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MINTS ON ISLAMIC COINS (YOUR BEST IDENTIFICATION SHORTCUT)

How to find and interpret mint names

The Collector's Dream: Mint Names on Coins

Islamic coins frequently include the mint city name, providing invaluable information for attribution, rarity assessment, and historical context.

Why Mint Identification Matters

📍
Geographic Attribution

Identifies region and sometimes specific workshop

💰
Rarity Assessment

Some mints rare, others common - affects value significantly

🏛️
Historical Context

Shows political control, trade routes, economic centers

Where to Find Mint Names

Standard Position

Location: Outer margin, often with date
Format: "ضرب [mint name]" (Struck at...)
Example: "ضرب بغداد" = Struck at Baghdad

Alternative Positions

Center field: Rare, usually early issues
Inner margin: Sometimes with other information
No "ضرب": Just city name alone

Regional Variations

Andalusia: Often includes "al-Andalus"
Egypt: "Misr" common
Persia: Various Persian city names

Major Mint Cities Every Collector Should Recognize

🏙️
Baghdad

Arabic: بغداد
Period: 8th–13th centuries (peak)
Output: Massive quantities, Abbasid capital
Collector Note: Most common Abbasid mint

🏛️
Damascus

Arabic: دمشق
Period: 7th–14th centuries
Output: Umayyad capital, continued importance
Collector Note: Key early Islamic mint

🌿
Wasit

Arabic: واسط
Period: 8th–10th centuries
Output: Major Umayyad/Abbasid mint
Collector Note: Often high quality, abundant

🕌
Cairo

Arabic: القاهرة or مصر
Period: 10th–15th centuries
Output: Fatimid then Mamluk capital
Collector Note: Egyptian issues distinctive

Practical Mint Reading Tips

🔍
Look for "ضرب" Pattern

Find the word "ضرب" (struck) - mint name usually follows

📏
Compare Letter Shapes

Match distinctive letters like ب (ba), د (dal), م (mim)

🎯
Partial Match Approach

Even 2-3 letters can identify mint with reference

Regional Mint Clusters

Spain (Al-Andalus)
  • Madinat al-Zahra: Caliphal mint
  • Cordoba: Important early mint
  • Almeria: Coastal trade mint
North Africa
  • Kairouan: Major Aghlabid mint
  • Fes: Moroccan center
  • Tunis: Hafsid capital
Persia/Central Asia
  • Shiraz: Buyid, then Seljuk
  • Isfahan: Seljuk capital
  • Samarkand: Timurid center

Common vs Rare Mints Quick Guide

Common (Good for Beginners) Rare (Premium Value)
Baghdad (Abbasid) Madinat al-Salam (early Baghdad)
Wasit (Umayyad/Abbasid) Arminiya (Armenia - rare)
Damascus (Umayyad) Ifriqiya (early North Africa)
Madinat al-Zahra (Spain) Jurjan (remote Persian mint)
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MAJOR MEDIEVAL ISLAMIC DYNASTIES (COLLECTOR OVERVIEW)

The numismatic landscape from Umayyads to Mamluks

The Islamic Numismatic World

Islamic medieval coinage spans dozens of dynasties across three continents. This overview focuses on the major dynasties collectors most frequently encounter.

🔄

Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 AD)

Reform coinage creators

Key Features: First epigraphic coinage, standardized dinar/dirham

Common Types: Reformed dirhams (post-698), transitional issues

Mints: Damascus, Wasit, Kufa, dozens of others

Collector Entry: Dirhams abundant, dinars more expensive

Umayyad Coin Guide →
⚫

Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258 AD)

The classical period

Key Features: Massive dirham production, complex titulature

Common Types: Baghdad dirhams, various gold dinars

Mints: Baghdad (most common), many provincial mints

Collector Entry: Perfect for beginners - abundant, affordable

Abbasid Coin Guide →
⚪

Fatimid Caliphate (909–1171 AD)

Ismaili Shi'a dynasty

Key Features: Elegant calligraphy, multiple circular legends

Common Types: Multi-circle dinars, elegant dirhams

Mints: Cairo, al-Mahdiyya, other North African cities

Collector Entry: Prized for artistry, moderate prices

Fatimid Coin Guide →
🏹

Seljuk Empire (1037–1194 AD)

Turkic rulers of Persia

Key Features: Diverse regional styles, often debased silver

Common Types: Billon dirhams, copper fulus

Mints: Isfahan, Hamadan, many Persian cities

Collector Entry: Affordable but attribution challenging

Seljuk Coin Guide →
⚔️

Ayyubid Sultanate (1171–1260 AD)

Saladin's dynasty

Key Features: Crusade-era context, Syrian/Egyptian focus

Common Types: Silver dirhams, copper fals

Mints: Cairo, Damascus, Aleppo

Collector Entry: Popular for Crusades interest

Ayyubid Coin Guide → Crusader Coins →
⚔️

Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517 AD)

Military slave dynasty

Key Features: Dense inscriptions, small coins, complex titles

Common Types: Small dirhams, copper fulus, gold dinars

Mints: Cairo, Damascus, Aleppo

Collector Entry: Challenging but rewarding attribution

Mamluk Coin Guide →
🕌

Al-Andalus (Spain)

Islamic Spain

Key Features: Distinctive script, square kufic on copper

Common Types: Dirhams, dinars, square fals

Mints: Madinat al-Zahra, Cordoba, Almeria

Collector Entry: Popular for European collectors

Andalusian Coin Guide →
🐎

Other Important Dynasties

Regional powers

Buyids: Persian Shi'a dynasty (10th–11th century)

Ghaznavids: Eastern Persian/Turkic (10th–12th century)

Almoravids/Almohads: North Africa/Spain (11th–13th century)

Timurids: Central Asia (14th–15th century, transition)

Persian Coins →

Collecting Strategy by Dynasty

🎯
Beginner Friendly

Abbasid dirhams: Abundant, affordable, teach basics

Umayyad dirhams: Clear script, historical importance

💰
Moderate Budget

Fatimid coins: Artistic, good availability

Ayyubid coins: Crusade context adds interest

🏆
Advanced/Expensive

Umayyad dinars: Early gold, often expensive

Rare mints: Any dynasty with rare mint city

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ISLAMIC COINS VS CRUSADER VS BYZANTINE

How not to misidentify these often-confused medieval coins

The Medieval Levant Coinage Mix

In the Eastern Mediterranean, Islamic, Crusader, and Byzantine coins circulated together, leading to frequent misidentifications. Learn the key differences.

Feature Islamic Coins Crusader Coins Byzantine Coins
Primary Design Arabic text only Crosses, castles, portraits Christ/Emperor portraits, crosses
Script/Language Arabic (Kufic/Naskh) Latin (sometimes Greek/Arabic) Greek (early: Latin)
Portraits None (aniconic) Knights, rulers, saints Emperors, Christ, Virgin Mary
Religious Symbols Text only (no images) Crosses prominent Crosses, IC XC, MP ΘV
Typical Layout Central field + circular margins Central cross/castle + legend Bust/Full figure + legend
Denomination Marks None (implied by size/metal) None or Christian symbols M/K/I/E (bronze), Christ images
Dates AH years common Regnal years, sometimes AD Regnal years, no dates usually
Mint Indication Often named ("ضرب بغداد") Sometimes named in Latin CON, TES, ANT abbreviations

Quick Identification Flowchart

Arabic script present?
YES →
Portraits or crosses?
NO portraits/crosses → Islamic coin
YES portraits/crosses → Crusader or bilingual issue
NO →
Greek script or IC XC/MP ΘV?
YES → Byzantine coin
NO → Latin script likely Crusader

Common Misidentifications

❌
Byzantine with Arabic

Error: Calling bilingual Byzantine coins "Islamic"

Solution: Look for Christ image or IC XC alongside Arabic

❌
Crusader Imitations

Error: Misidentifying Crusader copies of Islamic coins

Solution: Check script quality, often cruder than Islamic

❌
Latin in Islamic Context

Error: Thinking Latin means European

Solution: Norman Sicily, some Spanish issues bilingual

For detailed comparisons:

Crusader Coins Guide Byzantine Coins Guide Islamic vs Crusader Comparison
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HOW TO IDENTIFY AN ISLAMIC MEDIEVAL COIN (MASTER METHOD)

A practical, repeatable system for attribution

The Seven-Step Islamic Coin Identification Method

This systematic approach works for any Islamic medieval coin, from Umayyad dirhams to Mamluk fulus. Follow these steps in order.

1
Confirm Metal & Fabric

Gold (Dinar): Small (19-21mm), thick, heavy (~4.2g), yellow

Silver (Dirham): Broad, thin (25-30mm), light (~3g), often porous

Copper (Fals): Variable size, green patina, often corroded

Billon: Debased silver (late medieval common)

2
Identify Script as Arabic

Check for: Right-to-left flow, connected letters, no portraits

Confirm: Circular text arrangement, Kufic or cursive style

Rule out: Greek (Byzantine), Latin (Crusader/European)

Note: Some bilingual coins exist (Arabic + other language)

3
Find Date (AH Year)

Look for: "Sanat" (سنة) followed by numbers/words

Location: Outer margin most common

Format: May be spelled out or use numerals

Partial date: Even century (100s, 200s, etc.) helps

4
Find Mint Name

Look for: "ضرب" (duriba) followed by city name

Location: Outer margin, often with date

Partial name: Match first few letters to known mints

No mint: Some early or provincial issues lack mint

5
Identify Ruler/Dynasty

Central field: Often ruler's name and titles

Titles to recognize: "Amir al-Mu'minin" (caliph), "Sultan"

Dynastic clues: "al-[Name]i" endings often indicate dynasty

Compare: Match name to known rulers by date/mint

6
Match Layout Style to Dynasty

Umayyad: Clean, spacious Kufic, two-field design

Abbasid: Often denser, more text, complex titles

Fatimid: Multiple concentric circles, elegant script

Mamluk: Extremely dense, small cursive script

Andalusian: Distinctive script style, sometimes square kufic

7
Confirm with Weight & Size

Gold dinar: Should be ~4.2g ±0.3g

Silver dirham: Should be ~2.97g ±0.5g (varies by period)

Diameter matters: Large dirhams usually earlier

Weight trends: Later medieval often lighter/debased

Fast Identification Shortcuts

⚡
Broad Thin Silver

25-30mm, thin, light → likely dirham (Umayyad/Abbasid)

⚡
Small Heavy Gold

19-21mm, thick, heavy → dinar (all periods)

⚡
Green Copper Square

Square flan with Arabic → often Spanish fals

⚡
Tiny Dense Script

Small coin, packed text → likely Mamluk or late medieval

Documentation Checklist

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VALUES: WHAT ARE ISLAMIC MEDIEVAL COINS WORTH?

Understanding the Islamic coin market realistically

Pricing Realities: From $20 Dirhams to $10,000+ Dinars

Islamic coin values span an enormous range based on metal, rarity, condition, and historical significance. Understanding the factors helps build a meaningful collection at any budget.

What Drives Islamic Coin Values

💰
Metal & Denomination

Gold dinars: $500–$10,000+ (common at $1,000–$3,000)

Silver dirhams: $20–$2,000 (most $50–$300)

Copper fals: $10–$500 (most under $100)

Note: Metal value baseline for precious metals

🏛️
Dynasty & Ruler

Common: Abbasid, Umayyad (generally affordable)

Popular: Fatimid, Crusade-era (moderate premium)

Rare: Early transitional, specific rulers (expensive)

Note: 'Abd al-Malik, Harun al-Rashid command premium

📍
Mint Rarity

Common mints: Baghdad, Wasit, Damascus (lower value)

Rare mints: Provincial, short-lived mints (high premium)

Spanish mints: Often premium for European collectors

Note: Mint can multiply value 10x or more

Realistic Price Ranges (2024 Market)

Type & Condition Fair Condition Good Condition Excellent Condition Notes
Abbasid Dirham (common mint) $20–$50 $60–$150 $200–$400 Most common Islamic silver
Umayyad Dirham (post-reform) $50–$100 $150–$300 $400–$800 Early, historical premium
Fatimid Dinar (common type) $800–$1,500 $2,000–$4,000 $5,000–$8,000 Artistic premium
Umayyad Dinar (reformed) $1,500–$3,000 $4,000–$7,000 $8,000–$15,000 First Islamic gold, rare
Spanish Dirham $30–$80 $100–$250 $300–$600 European collector demand
Mamluk Dirham $15–$40 $50–$120 $150–$300 Small, often worn
Copper Fals (attributed) $10–$30 $40–$80 $100–$200 Condition critical

Condition Guidelines for Islamic Coins

Silver Condition Factors
  • Legend completeness: All margins readable
  • Porosity: Islamic silver often porous - stable vs active
  • Centering: Often struck off-center (less critical)
  • Bending: Dirhams often bent - affects value moderately
  • Test cuts: Common on silver - reduces value 30-50%
Gold Condition Factors
  • Sharpness: Calligraphy clarity critical
  • Surface: Original mint luster vs tooling/cleaning
  • Edge: Complete vs chipped
  • Weight: Close to standard (wear acceptable)
  • Test cuts: Less common on gold - severe penalty

Common Value Misconceptions

❓
"All medieval coins are valuable"

Reality: Millions of Abbasid dirhams survive - many under $50. Rarity depends on mint, date, ruler.

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"Gold is always expensive"

Reality: Some late medieval gold dinars can be $500–$800. Silver with rare mint can exceed $1,000.

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"Age = Value"

Reality: 8th century dirhams often cheaper than 12th century Fatimid dinars. Artistry, preservation, rarity matter more.

Current Market Trends (2024)

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Rising: Fatimid & Crusade Era

Growing interest in artistic coins and Crusades context

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Stable: Abbasid Silver

Abundant supply meets steady demand - prices stable

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Rising: Spanish Islamic

European collectors paying premium for al-Andalus coins

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Declining: Common Worn Coins

Market saturation for poor condition common types

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FAKES, TOURIST REPLICAS & MODERN CAST COPIES

Protecting yourself in the Islamic coin market

The Islamic Fake Landscape

Islamic coins face significant forgery risks, from crude tourist souvenirs to sophisticated casts that fool experienced collectors. Knowing what to look for is essential.

Common Fake Types & Detection

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Cast Silver Dirhams (Most Common)

How to Spot:

  • Surface bubbles: Tiny pits from casting process
  • Soft details: Mushy calligraphy, lacking sharp edges
  • Wrong weight: Usually lighter than authentic (2.0–2.5g vs 2.97g)
  • Edge seams: Often visible casting lines
  • Wrong metal: Often base metal with silver plating

Risk Level: High - floods budget market, often sold in lots

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Modern Strike Gold Dinars

How to Spot:

  • Too perfect: Excessive sharpness for age
  • Wrong gold color: Too yellow or wrong alloy
  • Weight off: Not 4.2g ±0.2g
  • Modern tool marks: Under magnification
  • Style errors: Anachronistic calligraphy styles

Risk Level: Extreme - high financial loss potential

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Tourist/Souvenir Replicas

How to Spot:

  • Obvious fantasy: Mixes scripts, eras, styles
  • Modern Arabic: Uses modern script not historical
  • No wear: Pristine "ancient" coins
  • Base metal: Often lead, zinc, or pot metal
  • Sold as decor: Marketed as wall hangings, jewelry

Risk Level: Low - obvious to knowledgeable collectors

Practical Detection Methods

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Magnification Check (10x+)
  • Look for casting bubbles in fields
  • Check for seam lines on edges
  • Examine calligraphy for tool marks
  • Look for plating wear revealing base metal
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Weight & Measurement
  • Weigh dirhams: Should be ~2.97g ±0.3g
  • Weigh dinars: Should be ~4.2g ±0.2g
  • Measure diameter against references
  • Check specific gravity if suspicious
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Simple Physical Tests
  • Magnet test (silver shouldn't be magnetic)
  • Ring test (gold has distinctive sound)
  • Check for plating with edge file test (carefully!)
  • Feel surface texture (cast vs struck)

Safety Checklist for Buying Islamic Coins

Critical Warning: Specific Fake Patterns

Be especially wary of these common fake scenarios:

  • "Bulgarian" fakes: Sophisticated casts from Eastern Europe, often with artificial wear
  • Indian subcontinent fakes: Often crude but plentiful, target common Abbasid types
  • Moroccan tourist fakes: Sold as souvenirs, sometimes enter collecting market
  • eBay specials: "Very rare" coins from new sellers with stock photos
  • Fourrée (ancient forgeries): Genuine ancient plated forgeries - collectible but know what you're buying

Protection: Buy from established Western dealers specializing in Islamic coins, get third-party authentication for expensive purchases, educate yourself on genuine characteristics.

For comprehensive fake detection:

World Coin Fakes Guide Islamic Coin Fakes Specific Guide
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COLLECTING ISLAMIC MEDIEVAL COINS (BEGINNER → ADVANCED)

Building a meaningful Islamic collection at any level

Paths Through Islamic Numismatics

Islamic coin collecting offers diverse approaches, from affordable silver dirhams to exquisite gold dinars. Choose a path that matches your interests, budget, and learning goals.

Popular Collection Themes

By Dynasty

Focus: One dynasty's coinage across metals

Example: Abbasid dirham + dinar + fals

Benefits: Deep historical focus, shows evolution

Challenge: Some dynasties have rare/expensive gold

By Mint City

Focus: All coins from specific mint

Example: Damascus: Umayyad to Mamluk

Benefits: Geographic focus, teaches mint variations

Challenge: Some mints rare for certain periods

Crusade Era Context

Focus: Islamic + Crusader + Byzantine of period

Example: Ayyubid + Crusader + Byzantine 12th century

Benefits: Historical context, crossover appeal

Challenge: Requires knowledge of multiple series

Best Beginner Entry Points

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Abbasid Dirhams

Why: Abundant, affordable, teach script reading

Start with: Common mints (Baghdad, Wasit)

Budget: $50–$150 for nice examples

Learning: Mint/date identification, calligraphy styles

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Umayyad Dirhams

Why: Historical importance, clear script

Start with: Post-reform, common mints

Budget: $100–$300 for decent examples

Learning: Early Islamic style, transitional issues

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Spanish Islamic

Why: European context, distinctive styles

Start with: Umayyad of al-Andalus dirhams

Budget: $80–$250

Learning: Regional variations, square kufic copper

Intermediate Paths (After Basics)

Fatimid Collection

Focus: Artistic dinars and dirhams

Challenge: Multiple circle layouts, elegant script

Budget: $200–$2,000 per coin

Goal: Appreciate peak Islamic numismatic art

Mint City Specialization

Focus: Deep dive into one mint's output

Challenge: Finding all periods from one mint

Budget: Variable by mint rarity

Goal: Become expert on specific mint's evolution

Crusade Era Sets

Focus: Ayyubid + contemporary Crusader

Challenge: Multiple series knowledge required

Budget: $300–$1,500 per coin

Goal: Historical narrative collection

Advanced Paths (Specialization)

Early Transitional Gold

Focus: Umayyad and early Abbasid dinars

Challenge: Rare, expensive, requires expertise

Budget: $2,000–$20,000+ per coin

Goal: Build significant gold collection

Die Variety Studies

Focus: Same type, different die varieties

Challenge: Requires extensive comparison

Budget: Moderate but time-intensive

Goal: Contribute to numismatic scholarship

Rare Mint Hunt

Focus: Coins from obscure provincial mints

Challenge: Finding them, attribution difficulties

Budget: Highly variable

Goal: Complete rare mint set

Storage, Handling & Cataloging

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Storage Solutions
  • Mylar flips: Acid-free, both sides visible
  • Silver care: Anti-tarnish strips, stable environment
  • Copper care: Dry environment, avoid PVC
  • Gold: Individual holders, avoid scratching
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Handling Guidelines
  • Clean hands or gloves: Especially for silver
  • Hold by edges: Avoid touching surfaces
  • Soft surface: Felt pad when examining
  • Dirham caution: Thin, can bend easily
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Cataloging Checklist
  • Weight: To 0.01g precision
  • Diameter: Maximum in mm
  • Mint: City name, any mint marks
  • Date: AH year (and AD conversion)
  • Ruler: Full name and titles
  • References: Album number, other catalogs
  • Photos: Both sides, scale, good lighting
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Cleaning Guidelines (Critical)

General rule: Don't clean. Original surfaces preserve authentication clues.

  • Silver dirhams: Often naturally porous - cleaning destroys surface
  • Gold dinars: Never clean - removes original mint luster
  • Copper fals: Stable patina is protective - cleaning promotes new corrosion
  • If absolutely necessary: Distilled water soak only, no chemicals

Professional conservation: For valuable coins only, by qualified conservator

Collector Progression Guide

Beginner (First Year)

Focus: Common Abbasid dirhams, basic attribution

Skills: Reading mint/date, recognizing script styles

Budget: $20–$200 per coin

Goal: Build confidence, learn periods, avoid fakes

Intermediate (1–3 Years)

Focus: Better quality dirhams, first dinars, regional types

Skills: Complex attribution, condition assessment, fake detection

Budget: $100–$1,000 per coin

Goal: Specialize (dynasty, region, mint), build theme collection

Advanced (3+ Years)

Focus: Gold dinars, rare types, exceptional quality

Skills: Advanced attribution, market knowledge, scholarship

Budget: $1,000–$10,000+ per coin

Goal: Build significant collection, contribute to field

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THE LEGACY OF ISLAMIC MEDIEVAL COINAGE

How Islamic coins shaped global finance and continue to captivate collectors

Enduring Influence Across Continents

Islamic medieval coinage established one of history's most consistent and influential monetary traditions, shaping trade, economics, and numismatic art from Spain to India.

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Global Trade Currency

The dinar and dirham became international currencies, circulating from Viking Scandinavia to Song China, facilitating the first truly global trade networks.

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Historical Documentation

Islamic coins preserve thousands of historical records: rulers, mints, dates, and sometimes even historical events, providing invaluable primary sources.

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Calligraphic Art

Islamic coins represent some of the finest examples of Arabic calligraphy, transforming functional writing into high art on a miniature scale.

Why Collectors Are Drawn to Islamic Coins

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Puzzle Solving

Deciphering Arabic script and attributing coins offers intellectual satisfaction

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Accessibility

From $20 dirhams to museum-quality dinars, options for all budgets

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Global Scope

Collecting spans three continents and dozens of cultures

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Historical Depth

Nearly 1,000 years of continuous development and variation

Why NumisDon's Islamic Hub Matters

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Demystifying Arabic Script

Making Islamic coin identification accessible to non-Arabic readers

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Fake Protection

Educating collectors in a market with significant forgery risks

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Navigation Aid

Mapping the complex landscape of dynasties, mints, and styles

The Islamic Numismatic Legacy

From 'Abd al-Malik's revolutionary epigraphic reform in 698 AD to the intricate Mamluk coins of the 15th century, Islamic medieval coinage represents one of numismatics' most remarkable traditions. These coins document the rise and evolution of Islamic civilization, preserve exquisite calligraphic art, and continue to offer collectors endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

"In their gold, silver, and copper, Islamic coins preserve not just economic history, but the artistic, political, and religious aspirations of a civilization that spanned continents. Each coin is a text waiting to be read, a map waiting to be traced, a story waiting to be told."

Your Islamic Numismatic Journey Awaits

Whether you start with a common Abbasid dirham from Baghdad or aim for a gold dinar of the Fatimid caliphs, Islamic coin collecting offers a direct connection to one of history's great civilizations. The coins are waiting—with their mint cities to be located, their dates to be converted, their calligraphy to be appreciated, and their stories to be discovered.

Ready to Start Your Islamic Coin Collection?

Browse Islamic Coins Arabic Script Guide Value Guide

Start with our Arabic coin identification guide if your coin has Arabic script, or check our Crusader coins guide if it has crosses and Latin script.