Dinar - 'Abd-al-Rahman III (Madinat al-Zahra) 336-348 (948-960) front Dinar - 'Abd-al-Rahman III (Madinat al-Zahra) 336-348 (948-960) back
Dinar - 'Abd-al-Rahman III (Madinat al-Zahra) 336-348 (948-960) photo
© Tonegawa Collection

Dinar - 'Abd-al-Rahman III Madinat al-Zahra

 
- 4.25 g 22 mm
Description
Issuer
Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba (Córdoba, Al-Andalus and Ceuta)
Caliph
Abd al-Rahman III (عبد الرحمن بن محمّد الناصر لدين ألله) (912-961)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
336-348 (948-960)
Calendar
Islamic (Hijri)
Value
1 Dinar
Currency
Dinar (929-1031)
Weight
4.25 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#314588
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Arabic lettering.

Script: Arabic

Lettering:
الامام الناصر
لـديـن الله عبدالرحمن
أمير المؤمنين


محمد رسول الله ارسله بالهدى و دين الحق ليظهره على الدين كله ولو كره المشركون

Translation:
The Imam al-Nasir
Li-Din Allah Abd al-Rahman
Commander of the Faithful

Muhammad is the messenger of God. He sent him with guidance and the true religion to reveal it to all religions even if the polytheists abhor it.

Comment

The legends vary a bit even in specimen of the same year. To check exactly the variety use the Vives y Escudero catalogue.

The name of the monarch is written on the reverse.
Below is an example of the monarch's name "Abd al-Rahman" on a coin:


The mint and date is written in full, on the marginal legend of the obverse. The script is somewhat calligraphic so not exactly like is presented on the dates in the bottom of this page. Below an example of the mint "Madinat al-Zahra" as seen on a coin is presented:

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Abd-al-Rahman III, who was the first Umayyad Caliph to adopt the title of "Amir al-Mu'minin" (Commander of the Faithful), signifying his claim to be the legitimate ruler of the Islamic world. This coin, minted in Madinat al-Zahra, a city founded by Abd-al-Rahman III, reflects the powerful and influential position that the Umayyad Caliphate held in the region during that time.