Coin

Art Historical Context

This exquisite silver coin, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Department, exemplifies the numismatic artistry of the early Islamic world. Dated tentatively to A.H. 37 (circa 657 CE) or 98 CE, its chronology reflects the transitional period when Arab rulers began minting coins that bridged pre-Islamic traditions and emerging Islamic conventions. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 9, it stands as a tangible link to the formative years of the Islamic caliphate. Crafted in silver—a prized medium for dirhems, the standard Islamic currency— this coin likely features inscriptions or motifs typical of the era, prioritizing calligraphy over figural imagery to align with aniconic principles. Such coins were not mere money but symbols of authority, circulating across vast empires from the Umayyads onward. For visitors, it offers a glimpse into daily economic life, trade routes, and the spread of Islam, reminding us how even small artifacts encapsulate grand historical narratives.