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Dirham of Ghiyath al-Din Kai Khusrau II (r. 1239–46); Astrological Device (Sun-Lion)

dated 638 AH/1240–41 CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 460
Gold and silver coins were considered high-value money, used and traded over long distances. It was the principal form of currency used by high-ranking officials to pay land tax or iqta‘ (revenue from grants of land). In Rum Seljuq lands very fine dirhams and a few gold coins were minted. They are exceptional in Islamic coinage for the presence of figural imagery. The two main themes are the astrological sun-lion, such as on this coin and the equestrian, embodiment of power and control and a symbol of an ideal ruler in the Great Age of the Seljuqs.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Dirham of Ghiyath al-Din Kai Khusrau II (r. 1239–46); Astrological Device (Sun-Lion)
  • Date: dated 638 AH/1240–41 CE
  • Geography: Minted in Turkey, Konya
  • Medium: Silver
  • Dimensions: Diam. 7/8 in. (2.2 cm)
    D. 1/16 in. (0.2 cm)
    Wt. 0.1 oz. (2.8 g)
  • Classification: Coins
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Joseph H. Durkee, 1898
  • Object Number: 99.35.2379
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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