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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2003.234
People
Nasir al-Din Artuq Arslan, Turkic (r. 1201-1239)
Title
Copper Dirham of Nasr al-Din Artuq Arslan, minted at Mardin
Classification
Coins
Work Type
coin
Date
c. 1230s
Places
Creation Place: Middle East, Türkiye (Turkey)
Period
Artuqids of Mardin period
Culture
Turkish
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/57040

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper
Metal
AE
Dimensions
6.51 g
Denomination
dirham

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Purchase through the generosity of Corina and David Silich-von Schulthess
Accession Year
2003
Object Number
2003.234
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
Obv.: In center of linear circle, ruler, nimbate seated cross-legged, in his left hand an orb; stars in upper left and upper right field.
Rev.: kufic legend.
This copper coin was struck at the Mardin mint dated 63[?] H. (the final digit in the date is illegible, equivalent to c. 1230s) during the reign of Nasr al-Din Artuk Arslan (r. 1201-39).
The obverse features a figure seated in a cross-legged position on a square-backed throne. His left hand holds an orb and his right hand rests on his thigh. A kufic legend runs about two-thirds of the way around the coin, giving the royal and personal titles and names of the new Rum Seljuk overlord Kay Khusraw II, and the additional title Qasim amir al-Muminin.
On the reverse is written in five lines a kufic legend, that gives the royal and religious titles and name of the `Abbasid caliph al-Mustansir on the first through third lines, and the title and name of the Artukid ruler on the fourth and fifth lines; mint name in the margin above, and the date in the left and right margins.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be 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