Two sides of a circular gold coin with Arabic writing
Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College

Two sides of a circular gold coin are shown next to each other. On the left side, Arabic text curves along the edge of the coin in a circle. In the top of the center is a symbol, below it two lines of text, then a circular mark, another two lines of text, then another circular mark. On the right side, two lines of Arabic curve along the edge of the coin in a circle. In the center are five lines of Arabic. The gold on both sides of the coin is speckled with brown spots.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1951.31.4.2315
People
Al-Muqtadir, Arab (r. 908-932)
Title
Dinar of al-Muqtadir, Misr
Classification
Coins
Work Type
coin
Date
919-920
Period
Abbasid period
Culture
Arab
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/182814

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Gold
Metal
AV
Dimensions
4.01 g
Denomination
dinar
Inscriptions and Marks
  • (not assigned):

    Translation of inscriptions.

    Obverse: There is no god but God, the One, with no partner. Abu al-ʿAbbas son of the Commander of the Faithful. In the name of God, th[is] dinar was struck in Misr, year seven and three hundred. To God is the command before and after. And that day the faithful will rejoice in the victory of God. (partial, Qurʾan 30:4–5)

    Reverse: For God. Muhammad is the Messenger of God. Al-Muqtadir bi-Allah. Muhammad is the Messenger of God. He sent him with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, even though the polytheists dislike it. (adapted from Qurʾan 9:33)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Thomas Whittemore
Accession Year
1951
Object Number
1951.31.4.2315
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The coin is dated 307 H. (919-920).

Publication History

  • Mary McWilliams and Jochen Sokoly, Social Fabrics: Inscribed Textiles from Medieval Egyptian Tombs, exh. cat. (Cambridge, MA, February 22, 2022), pp. 70-71, cat. 4

Exhibition History

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Coins

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu