Islamic coins are coins that were issued by Muslim rulers and states from the 7th century onwards. They bear Islamic religious symbols and inscriptions, such as the shahada (the Muslim declaration of faith), the names of the caliphs or other rulers, and dates in the Islamic calendar.
The earliest Islamic coins were minted in the 7th century by the Rashidun Caliphate, the first Muslim empire. These coins were based on the Byzantine and Sassanid coins that were in circulation at the time, but they gradually evolved to incorporate Islamic symbols and inscriptions.
By the 9th century, Islamic coins had become a distinctive art form. They were often beautifully decorated with geometric patterns, calligraphy, and other motifs. The inscriptions on Islamic coins were also important sources of historical information, as they often recorded the names of rulers, the dates of their reigns, and the places where the coins were minted.
Islamic coins continued to be minted until the early 20th century. They played an important role in the economy of the Islamic world, and they also served as a way for Muslim rulers to assert their authority and legitimacy.
Here are some of the most notable features of Islamic coins:
They often bear Islamic religious symbols, such as the shahada, the mihrab (the niche that indicates the direction of Mecca), and the crescent moon.
They may also bear the names of the caliphs or other rulers, and dates in the Islamic calendar.
The inscriptions on Islamic coins are often beautifully decorated with geometric patterns, calligraphy, and other motifs.
Islamic coins were often minted in different shapes and sizes, depending on the region and the time period.
They played an important role in the economy of the Islamic world, and they also served as a way for Muslim rulers to assert their authority and legitimacy.
Islamic coins are a fascinating and important part of Islamic history and culture. They provide us with a glimpse into the past, and they help us to understand the development of Islamic art and architecture.
Here are some of the most famous Islamic coins:
The dinar of Abd al-Malik (750-775 CE):
This coin was the first to bear the shahada, and it is considered to be the most important Islamic coin ever minted.
The dirham of Harun al-Rashid (786-809 CE):
This coin is famous for its beauty and craftsmanship. It is often decorated with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy.
The dinar of the Fatimid Caliphate (909-1171 CE):
This coin is characterized by its distinctive shape and its use of the name of the Fatimid caliph in the inscriptions.
The dirham of the Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517 CE):
This coin is known for its high quality and its use of Arabic calligraphy.
Islamic coins are a valuable source of historical information. They can tell us about the rulers who issued them, the dates of their reigns, and the places where they were minted. They can also tell us about the economic and cultural development of the Islamic world.
Islamic coins are also a beautiful and fascinating art form. They are often decorated with intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, and they can be found in museums and private collections all over the world.