Catalog
| Issuer | Iran |
|---|---|
| Year | 985 (1577) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 1/2 Mithqal (24) |
| Currency | Shahi (1501-1798) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 2.37 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Islamic#2617.1 cat#17938 |
| Obverse description | Shi`a Kalima with the 12 imams. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic (thuluth) |
| Obverse lettering | لا اله الا الله/ محمد رسول الله/علی ولی الله |
| Reverse description | The title of Sultan, mint and date. |
| Reverse script | Arabic (thuluth) |
| Reverse lettering |
غلام امام محمد مهدی علیه السلام ابوالمظفر سلطان محمد خدابنده ضرب کاشان ۹۸۵ (Translation: The Servant of Imam Mohammad Mahdi Abu al-Muzaffar Sultan Muhammad Khodabandeh Minted in Kashan, 985) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
کاشان Kashan, Iran |
| Mintage |
985 (1577) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7435581630 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Mithqal gold coin, issued in 985 AH (1577 CE) under Mohammad Khudabanda, marks a turbulent Safavid era. His reign (985-996 AH) was defined by political instability, internal Qizilbash power struggles, and renewed Ottoman incursions following Shah Tahmasp I's death. The Kashan mint, a prominent cultural center, continued coinage, underscoring the state's challenged yet persistent administrative functions during this transition.
Artistry: Though the engraver is anonymous, this coin exemplifies the refined epigraphic artistry of the Safavid school. The design is predominantly calligraphic, utilizing elegant Nastaliq or