© simoneo80
© simoneo80
Dirham - Al-Mujahid 'Ali al-Mahjam
| Silver | 1.81 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | Rasulid dynasty |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Al-Mujahid Ali (1321-1363) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 736-746 (1322-1363) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Dirham (0.7) |
| Currency | Dinar (1229-1454) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.81 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#321022 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
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 first Rasulid king to issue coins with his own name and title, rather than using the name of the Abbasid caliph. This indicates that the Rasulid dynasty was becoming more independent and assertive in its governance.
