Drachm - al-Hajjaj b. Yusuf Bishapur mint - Umayyad Governors of Iraq - Arab-Sasanian ND
| Silver | 4 g | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Umayyad Caliphate |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 696-714 |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm (661-750) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4 g |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#90053 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Sasanian fire altar raised on three steps with an attendant priest or mabedh on either side standing facing, at the top of the flames rising from the altar, on the left a small star and on the right a small crescent
to left downwards, the Pahlawi date and on right mint, all enclosed within a triple circle.
Comment
This coin was issued by the Muslim Governor in Persia and show the Sasanian emperor Khusrau II.The Zoroastrian fire altar appears on the back. The Islamic proclamation of faith, "In the name of God alone, Muhammad is the Messenger of God", is added to the margin.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of a crowned caliph on the obverse (front side), which was a distinctive feature of Umayyad coinage during this period. The caliph depicted on the coin is likely to be al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, who was the governor of Iraq during the reign of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (685-705 CE). The coin's design and inscriptions reflect the blending of Arab-Sasanian styles and influences, which was a hallmark of Umayyad art and architecture.
