Call us: 0044 2034885460
Original price was: £200.00.£100.00Current price is: £100.00.
House of Emirates® is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this extraordinary and historically significant Silver Dirham of the Seljuqs of Rum, struck during the reign of the celebrated Sultan Ghiyath al-Din Kay Khusraw II (1237–1246 AD / 634–644 AH). Weighing 2.87 grams with a diameter of 20.26 mm, this remarkable medieval Islamic silver coin represents one of the most iconic and artistically captivating issues of the Anatolian Seljuq dynasty.
Preserved in Very Fine condition and referenced as Album 1218, this dirham stands among the most recognizable Islamic coins ever produced, admired worldwide for its exceptional symbolism, rarity, and historical importance.
The obverse presents the legendary Lion and Sun design, an artistic masterpiece that distinguishes Kay Khusraw II‘s coinage from virtually every other medieval Islamic issue. A majestic lion strides confidently to the right beneath a radiant human-faced sun, while stars appear around the composition, creating a celestial scene rich with symbolism and mystery.
Historians have long debated the meaning of this extraordinary imagery. Some believe the lion represents royal authority and courage, while the radiant sun symbolizes divine favor, cosmic harmony, or even the sultan himself. Others suggest the design reflects astrological influences or may have been inspired by the sultan’s Georgian queen, Tamar, whose zodiac sign was Leo !
Whatever its original intention, the Lion and Sun motif became one of the most enduring emblems of the medieval Islamic world and remains instantly recognizable among collectors today. Surrounding the imagery is an elegant marginal inscription in Arabic, while the reverse features beautifully executed Islamic inscriptions in both the center and margin, proclaiming the Islamic profession of faith and royal titulature in graceful medieval calligraphy.
Beyond its artistic beauty, this silver dirham represents a remarkable chapter in the history of the Seljuqs of Rum, whose kingdom served as a vital bridge between the Islamic East and the Byzantine and European West. During Kay Khusraw II’s reign, Anatolia flourished as a center of commerce, architecture, scholarship, and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. Although his reign ultimately coincided with the advance of the Mongol Empire, the artistic achievements of his mint continue to captivate historians and collectors nearly eight centuries later. Coins of this type are highly sought after because they successfully combine exceptional artistic expression with profound historical significance.
This magnificent medieval silver dirham is more than an ancient coin—it is a timeless masterpiece of Islamic numismatic art, a witness to one of Anatolia’s greatest medieval civilizations, and an outstanding addition to any advanced collection of Islamic, medieval, or world coinage. Its iconic Lion and Sun design ensures enduring collector demand, making it both a distinguished historical treasure and a lasting legacy for future generations.
Specifications
