Coin Weight

Art Historical Context

This delicate glass coin weight, dating to the 11th century, hails from the Islamic world and exemplifies the precision craftsmanship of the era. Measuring just 1/4 inch high and 1 3/16 inches in, it weighs a mere 0.2 ounces—ly suited for verifying the authenticity and value of gold dinars or silver dirhams bustling trade hubs like Baghdad or Cairo. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 8, it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art department. In medieval Islamic society, accurate weights and measures were not just practical but a religious imperative, rooted in Quranic principles of fairness in commerce. These small tools ensured trust in transactions across vast empires, from the Fatimid Caliphate to the Seljuk domains, supporting the Silk Road's flow of spices, silks, and precious metals. Glass was an ideal medium: durable, non-corrosive, and easy to mold into uniform shapes, reflecting advanced Islamic glassworking techniques like free-blowing or pressing. Though unsigned by a known artist, this unassuming object highlights the artistry in everyday utility, blending functionality with the translucent beauty of Fatimid-era glass. A tiny testament to a golden age of innovation and trade!