Morocco Spain Silver Islamic Coin Square Dirham Muwahhid or Almohad 524 -640 AH or 1130-1250 AD
Description: A small square anonymous silver dirham minted for circulation in Iberia (Spain) and Morocco during the Muwahhid dynasty (1130 -1250 AD) 524 -640 AH. These coins were minted throughout the time of the dynasty and were circulated throughout North Africa and Islamic Spain. The obverse says "La Ellah El Allah/Al Amer Kulh Le Allah/Laquwa Ela Be Allah" which translated to "There is no god but Allah/ all rights are Allah's/and all power is Allah's." The reverse which is decorated with a line pattern on top proclaims "Allah Rbuna/ Mohammed Rasulan/ Al Mahdi Emamana" which translates to "Allah is our god/Mohammed is our prophet/al-Mahdi is our leader." The coin has beaded borders which are partially visible on several of the edges of both the obverse and reverse. Please carefully review photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Additional Information: Muwahhid (Al Mohad) Dynasty ruled the Maghrib from 1147-1269. In about 1121 Murabit dominance in Northern Africa was challenged by the Harghi Tribe of the central Moroccan part of the Atlas Mountains, who founded the Muwahhid dynasty. Mohammed ibn Tumart claimed to be the Mahdi, or the divinity guided successor to the Prophet Mohammed, and founded the Muwahhid (the affirmers of God's unity). They ruled current day Morocco, Tunis and Algeria plus Islamic Spain (Al Andlus). They were the most powerful force in North Africa since the Roman Empire. They had two capital cities one in Spain (Seville) and the other in Morocco (Fas). The end of the Muwahhids was also the beginning of the end of Islamic rule in Spain.
Date: Sometime in the period 524 -640 AH (1130 -1250 AD).
Mint: Unknown.
Size and Weight: This is a Dirham, weighs ~1.4 grams and is ~14 by ~14.5 mm.
References: It is Album #496, Wilkes #716 and is listed in Mitchiner as #421.
Condition: For international buyers, please note that on January 20, 2018 the new US postal rates for overseas shipping went into effect for first class shipments, which we are unable to change. Additional charges will be incurred depending on the value of the item. I would grade this coin as a good very fine with a well centered strike and very readable legible calligraphy. The coin has beaded edges with some of the edges trimmed tightly which resulted in loss of the beading and a less distinct or obvious beading on some of the edges when compared to the edges where the beading is still fully evident. The coin has uneven toning on both sides with dark areas, which are not as dark as the photos suggest, and can be seen in the photos. The flan is slightly bent at the corners, but that is minor and of no true concern. The coin has wear and some light scratches to the surface commensurate with its age and circulated state. The coin is much better than the photos suggest. Please see photos for additional condition information.
