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Coin

Unknown Artist

A.H. 295–301/ 908–914 CE

Coin by Unknown Artist

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...

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