Coin Weight
Unknown Artist
13th–16th century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H. 3/16 in. (0.5 cm) Diam. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm) Wt. 0.05 oz. (1.4 g)
Classification
Glass
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Museum Accession
Accession Number
x.165.22
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate glass coin weight, dating from the 13th to 16th century, hails from the Islamic world and exemplifies the precision craftsmanship of medieval artisans. Measuring just 7/8 inch in diameter and weighing a mere 0.05, it was designed for verifying the authenticity and weight of gold dinars or other coins in bustling trade hubs like Cairo or Damascus. In an era before modern scales, such tools were essential for merchants, moneychangers, and rulers to combat counterfeiting and ensure fair commerce across vast Islamic empires. Crafted from glass—a medium prized for its transparency, d...