Description
Artuqid Ruler Najm al-Din Ghazi I Silver Dirham – Mardin Mint, 1239–1260 AD
House of Emirates® is pleased to offer its elite clientele this beautiful and historically important Artuqid silver dirham, struck at the Mardin Mint during the reign of Najm al-Din Ghazi I, who ruled from 1239 to 1260 AD. Representing the rich numismatic heritage of medieval Mesopotamia, this remarkable Islamic silver coin offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to own an authentic piece of the Artuqid dynasty and the fascinating history of Mardin.
The Artuqids (Artuqid Dynasty) were a prominent Turkmen dynasty that controlled important territories across Upper Mesopotamia and southeastern Anatolia during the medieval Islamic period. Their principal centers included Mardin, Hasankeyf and Amid, with Mardin becoming one of the most important political, commercial and cultural centers of the region.
Artuqid coinage is particularly admired by collectors for its distinctive inscriptions, elaborate geometric decoration and fascinating combination of Islamic calligraphy with artistic traditions characteristic of medieval Anatolia and Mesopotamia.
This silver dirham of Najm al-Din Ghazi I was minted in Mardin, an ancient city renowned for its strategic position overlooking the Mesopotamian plains. During the Artuqid period, Mardin flourished as a major center of trade, scholarship, architecture and Islamic culture. A coin struck here therefore represents far more than a monetary object—it is a tangible historical connection to one of the great commercial crossroads of the medieval Near East.
The coin displays the characteristic Artuqid numismatic artistry, with carefully arranged Arabic inscriptions framed by intricate geometric and ornamental designs. The inscriptions identify the issuing authority and provide an important historical record of the ruler under whom the dirham was produced. The bold relief, decorative borders and surviving details give this specimen considerable visual character, while the naturally aged silver surfaces contribute to its authentic medieval appearance.
For collectors of ancient coins, Islamic coins, medieval coins, silver dirhams, Artuqid coinage and Mardin mint issues, this is a particularly compelling addition to a specialized collection. Coins of the Artuqid dynasty are valued not only for their historical importance but also for the remarkable variety of designs and inscriptions produced across their different mints and reigns.
Key Historical Details:
- Dynasty: Artuqid Dynasty
- Ruler: Sultan Najm al-Din Ghazi I
- Date: 1239–1260 AD
- Diameter: 20 mm
- Weight: 2.02 g Silver
- Mint: Mardin, Upper Mesopotamia
- Metal: Silver
- Denomination: Dirham
- Period: Medieval Islamic / Artuqid
- Region: Mardin, southeastern Anatolia / Mesopotamia
This medieval Artuqid silver dirham is an outstanding historical artifact for anyone fascinated by the Islamic Golden Age, medieval Middle Eastern history, Anatolian coinage and the extraordinary legacy of Mardin. Its combination of authentic medieval silver, Arabic calligraphy, Artuqid history and Mardin mint provenance makes it a captivating collectible and an elegant addition to any serious ancient coin or Islamic numismatic collection.






