Coin

Art Historical Context

This delicate gold coin, minted in A.H. 333 (945 CE), offers a glimpse into the opulent world of medieval Islamic economy and artistry. Measuring just 3/4 inch (1.9 cm) in diameter and weighing mere 0.1 oz. (2.8 g), it exemplifies the precision craftsmanship of Islamic coinage. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 9, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art Islamic Art department, where it stands as a testament to the era's metallurgical expertise—gold was prized for its purity, durability, and symbolic value as a medium of exchange. Dated to the mid-10th century during the Abbasid Calipha...