© Tonegawa Collection
© Tonegawa Collection
Dirham - 'Abd-al-Rahman III Madinat al-Zahra
| Silver | 2.70 g | 22.5 mm |
| 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 | 336-350 (948-962) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Dirham (1⁄15) |
| Currency | Dinar (929-1031) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.70 g |
| Diameter | 22.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#297726 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 84% |
Reverse
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
الإمـام الـنـاصر
لدين الله عبد الرحيم لدين
امير المؤمنين
بسم الله ضرب هذا الدرهم بالاندلس سنة ثلثين و ثلث مئة 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, usually on the left of the second line.
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 supreme leader of the Islamic world. This coin, along with others issued during his reign, helped to promote this image of the Caliph as a powerful and influential leader.
