Coin
Unknown Artist
A.H. 295–301/ 908–914 CE
Medium
Copper
Classification
Coins
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1939
Accession Number
39.40.127.599
Art Historical Context
This modest copper coin, minted between A.H. 295–301 (908–914), offers a tangible glimpse into the Abbasid Caliphate's world. Struck during a pivotal era of Islamic history, when Baghdad remained a vibrant center of learning, trade, and governance political turbulence, it exemplifies the standardized coinage that fueled the empire's economy. Copper, valued for its durability and affordability, was ideal for everyday transactions, contrasting with precious gold dinars and silver dirhams used for larger commerce. As a product of Islamic minting techniques, the coin likely features intricate Ara...