1 AE Dirham - Nasr b. al-Husayn

Historical Context: This 1 AE Dirham was issued by Nasr b. al-Husayn, a ruler of the Western Qarakhanids, from the mint of Kasan between 1169 and 1173. The Qarakhanid Khanate, a prominent Turkic dynasty, controlled vast swathes of Central Asia. By the late 12th century, the realm was fragmented, with local rulers like Nasr b. al-Husayn exercising autonomy, often under nominal suzerainty of regional powers. Copper dirhams served as essential currency for daily commerce.

Artistry: The design of this copper dirham adheres to Islamic epigraphic coinage conventions. While the engraver remains anonymous, the coin features calligraphic legends in Kufic or Naskh script. The obverse likely presents religious declarations, such as the Kalima. The reverse typically details the ruler's name, Nasr b. al-Husayn, his titles, the mint of Kasan, and the date. The aesthetic emphasizes legibility and piety over elaborate figural representation.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 1.77 grams, this copper dirham exhibits characteristics common to its type. High-points for preservation assessment include central and marginal legends, which are often the first areas to show wear or strike weakness. Copper coinage from this era frequently displays planchet irregularities, minor flan cracks, or off-center strikes due to less sophisticated minting. Surface preservation is critical, as copper is susceptible to corrosion, impacting fine detail clarity.