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House of Emirates® in London is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this magnificent Umayyad silver dirham, struck at the historic Wasit mint in 128 AH (746–747 AD), during the reign of Marwan II, the last Umayyad Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Weighing 2.87 grams and measuring 25 mm in diameter, this exceptional historical silver coin represents one of the most consequential periods in early Islamic history. Classified as Album 137, this remarkable example is presented in Extremely Fine (EF) condition, preserving its impressive Arabic inscriptions, intricate calligraphic design and authentic early Islamic minting characteristics.
A Silver Witness to the Final Chapter of the Umayyad Caliphate
Caliph Marwan II (reigned 744–750 AD) was the 14th and final ruler of the Umayyad Caliphate based in Damascus. His reign unfolded during a turbulent period of political upheaval, military conflict and growing opposition that ultimately brought an end to nearly a century of Umayyad dynastic rule. In 750 AD, the Abbasid Revolution overthrew the Umayyads in the East, marking a decisive transformation in the political and cultural history of the Islamic world. A silver dirham dated 128 AH, corresponding to 746–747 AD, therefore belongs to the final years of this extraordinary dynasty. It is a tangible historical document from an empire approaching one of the most significant transitions in medieval history.
Wasit Mint – A Historic Centre of Islamic Monetary Excellence
The Wasit mint holds exceptional historical importance in early Islamic numismatics. Founded in Iraq during the Umayyad period, Wasit developed into an important administrative, military and economic centre. Its silver dirhams circulated through extensive commercial networks connecting the territories of the Islamic Caliphate. The coin’s inscriptions reflect the distinctive aniconic monetary tradition of early Islamic civilisation, replacing figurative imperial imagery with elegant Arabic religious declarations and official inscriptions. The disciplined calligraphic arrangement, concentric inscriptions and characteristic silver fabric make Umayyad dirhams particularly significant historical artefacts. This example, struck in 128 AH, provides a direct connection to the monetary administration of Marwan II’s reign.
Exceptional Specifications and Historical Significance
An extraordinary acquisition for investors in ancient and medieval monetary history, this Umayyad silver dirham combines precious-metal heritage, historical importance, Islamic artistic tradition and numismatic significance. Its association with the final Umayyad Caliph gives it an especially compelling place in the story of the transition from the Umayyad to the Abbasid dynasty.
