Coin Weight
Unknown Artist
11th century
Medium
Glass
Dimensions
H. 1/8 in. (0.3 cm) Diam. 5/8 in. (1.6 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.165.23
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate glass coin weight from the 11th century exemplifies the practical artistry found in Islamic material culture. Created to verify the value of coins in daily commerce, such objects played a vital role in maintaining trust within bustling trade networks across the medieval Islamic world. Their precise calibration ensured fairness in transactions, reflecting a society that valued both economic stability and meticulous craftsmanship. Despite its tiny scale—just over half an inch in diameter and weighing a mere 1.4 grams—this piece highlights the advanced glassworking techniques of th...