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House of Emirates® in London is thrilled to present this remarkable Islamic silver dirham, struck in 146 AH / 763 AD during the reign of Abu Ja’far al-Mansur, the second Abbasid caliph and one of the most influential rulers in early Islamic history. Minted at Madinat Al-Salam (Baghdad), this historic coin represents a fascinating chapter in the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate and the transformation of Baghdad into one of the most important political, commercial, and intellectual centres of the medieval world. Founded by al-Mansur in 762 AD, Madinat Al-Salam became the celebrated heart of Abbasid power, connecting the Islamic world through trade, scholarship, administration, and cultural exchange.
The coin features the characteristic inscriptions of early Abbasid silver dirhams, arranged within elegant circular borders. Its Arabic calligraphy reflects the religious and political identity of the Islamic monetary system, which relied on inscriptions rather than the portraits commonly found on many ancient Roman and Byzantine coins. These inscriptions embody the distinctive artistic language of early Islamic coinage, where faith, authority, and monetary standardisation converged. Under al-Mansur, the Abbasid state strengthened its administration and consolidated its authority, establishing foundations for the remarkable prosperity that would later flourish under his successors. A silver dirham minted in Baghdad during this formative period is therefore far more than a historical means of payment; it is a tangible connection to the beginnings of one of the most celebrated eras of Islamic civilisation.
Weighing 2.85 grams and measuring 24 mm in diameter, this silver dirham is graded Very Fine (VF), preserving its historic character and recognisable inscriptions. Its surviving details offer a compelling glimpse into the craftsmanship and monetary traditions of the eighth-century Islamic world. For discerning investors in ancient and historical coins, this Abbasid dirham presents an opportunity to own an authentic artefact associated with Abu Ja’far al-Mansur and the foundation of Baghdad as the Abbasid capital. Its combination of historical importance, Islamic calligraphy, and association with one of the most consequential periods in early Islamic history makes it a distinguished addition to a portfolio of historic treasures.
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