Coin
Unknown Artist
A.H. 366–87/ 976–97 CE
Medium
Copper
Classification
Coins
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1939
Accession Number
39.40.127.234
Art Historical Context
This copper coin, minted between A.H. 366–387 (976–997 CE), offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of the late 10th century. during a period of dynamic political shifts under dynasties like the Buyids in Persia and Iraq, such coins circulated widely as everyday currency, bridging trade routes from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. As artifacts of Islamic art, they embody the era's emphasis on calligraphy over imagery, reflecting religious preferences for aniconism while serving practical economic needs. Crafted from durable copper—a common choice for fractional denominations—this coin exemp...