Coin
Unknown Artist
A.H. 603–24/ 1206–24 CE
Medium
Copper
Classification
Coins
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1939
Accession Number
39.40.127.601
Art Historical Context
This copper coin, minted between A.H. 603–624 (1206–1224 CE), offers a tangible glimpse into the vibrant Islamic world of the early 13th century. this era, the Islamic lands spanned from Central Asia to the Mediterranean, marked by flourishing trade, scholarly advancements, and shifting political powers amid the rise of empires like the Khwarazans. As a humble fulus—low-denomination currency for daily use—this piece circulated in bustling markets, facilitating commerce in everything from spices to textiles. Crafted in copper, a practical medium for smaller transactions due to its affordabilit...