Gold Dinar

11th–13th century

Not on view

The format of this gold coin follows the typical epigraphic lay-out of medieval Islamic coins with a few differences. The inscriptions at the center, although not fully decipherable, are in Arabic (possibly pious phrases including the name "Muhammad" and "La Ilaha illa allah" while those on the borders are in a combination of Arabic and Roman letters. The typical double stops and symbols of the writing in the borders resembles that of European pennies, particuarly Spanish denaros. Although the vertical line at the left on the reverse is a characteristic of Muluk al-Tawa'if issues of the 11th century, the "degenerate" script and hybrid nature of the inscriptions on this coin suggest that it is likely a later imitation of the 11th century Spanish coin.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Gold Dinar
Date: 11th–13th century
Geography: Attributed to Spain
Medium: Gold
Dimensions: Diam. 7/8 in. (2.3 cm)
D. 3/64 in. (0.1 cm)
Classification: Coins
Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
Object Number: 2021.31
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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