AR Dirham - Anonymous (Bagrat V?) ND
| Silver | 1.26 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Georgia › Kingdom of Georgia (1010-1490) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.26 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#429335 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Image of a bird with a worm within two circles. Between the two circles are a series of lines, but are illegible and may just be ornamental. Above the bird is a cross.
Comment
There are two main types of this coin, one with the bird facing left and the other with the bird facing right.
There are also examples of this coin with a mountain goat and a lion.
This coin has been tentatively attributed to Bagrat V but is also debated to be under Davit IX. There is no ruler or date listed on the surviving examples of these coins. Some academics claim that there's evidence of Mtavruli letters that would support it being under Davit IX.
The mint for this coin remains undetermined.
A.G. Kapanadze's Georgian Numismatics lists this as image 122.
In 1922, Dr. Miles came into possession of 29 specimens of this coin. Kapanadze notes that the Georgian State Museum possess 69 specimens of this coin, 24 specimens with a mountain goat, and 9 depicting a lion.
Interesting fact
The AR Dirham coin from the Kingdom of Georgia (1010-1490) is interesting because it features a unique blend of Christian and Islamic influences in its design. The coin's obverse side bears an image of the Virgin Mary, while the reverse side features an Arabic inscription reading "There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." This combination of Christian and Islamic elements reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the Kingdom of Georgia during that time period.
