© Nathan Alcorn
© Nathan Alcorn
Fals - al-Ashraf Sha'ban II Dimashq ND
| Copper | 2.1 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Mamluk Sultanate |
|---|---|
| Sultan | Sha'ban II (1363-1376) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1363-1377 |
| Value | 1 Fals (1⁄60) |
| Currency | Dinar (1250-1517) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#124580 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 83% |
Reverse
Concave-sided linear octolobe with floweret on the edges. Pellets between the flowerets.
Lettering:
In the center: ضرب
مشق
بد
Unabridged legend:
Duriba
...mashq
bi Di...
Translation: Stuck in Dimashq (Damascus)
Edge
Plain, irregular
Comment
This type is undated.
There are many samples on Zeno: http://numismatics.org/digitallibrary/ark:/53695/nnan55713
From the 36 samples, the weights vary widely from 1,72 to 3,50 gr, and size from 15 to 21 mm. Many samples are not round, but oval or irregular. The mean weight is 2,63 grams and size 18 mm.
Some samples are overstruck on unidentified coins.
There is report about one variant, where Al-Ashraf is written above the cartouche, not below (Zeno #44777).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of Al-Ashraf Sha'ban II, who was the last Sultan of the Mamluk Sultanate, which was a powerful state that ruled over much of the Middle East and North Africa during the 13th to 16th centuries. Despite being the last Sultan, Al-Ashraf Sha'ban II's reign was marked by political instability and economic difficulties, which may have contributed to the relatively low value of this coin compared to other coins issued during the same period.
