Dirham - Al-Mujahid Ali al-Mahjam
| Silver | 1.8 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Rasulid dynasty |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Al-Mujahid Ali (1321-1363) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 722-764 (1322-1363) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Dirham (0.7) |
| Currency | Dinar (1229-1454) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.8 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#140067 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
Linear inscriptions in a Hexalobe followed by two series of circumferential circular inscriptions delimited by circles; presence of a gnat.
Script: Arabic
Comment
Legends may vary from copy to copy and may be abbreviated.The workshop, followed by the date in full, is inscribed in the outer circle of the obverse.
The iconography of the obverse alone allows us to deduce the workshop: the presence of the lion on this currency thus characterized the emissions of al-Mahjam.
The other symbols used were the fish for the city of Aden, the bird for Zabid and a man sitting for Ta'izz.
The city of Al-Maḥjam seems to have been a major pole under the rassoulid period.
Located not far from the current Az Zaydiyah, it is found in particular on a 16th century canvas depicting the Arabian Peninsula by Giovanni Battista Ramusio and exhibited at the Doge's Palace in Venice.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Al-Mujahid Ali, who was the fourth ruler of the Rasulid dynasty and ruled from 1322 to 1363. The Rasulid dynasty was a Muslim dynasty that ruled over parts of modern-day Yemen and Saudi Arabia during the 14th century. The coin is made of silver and weighs 1.8 grams, which was a common weight for coins during that time period.
