Coin

Art Historical Context

This unassuming copper coin from the Museum of Art's Islamic Art department offers a window into the everyday economic life of the Islamic world. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 9, it exemplifies the numismatic collections that museums cherish for their role in tracing history. While its precise date and mint remain uncertain, such coins were vital tools of trade, taxation, and governance across caliphates and sultanates, circulating from bustling bazaars in Baghdad to distant outposts. Crafted in copper—a practical medium for smaller denominations—these coins often featured intricate Ara...