1 Akce - 'Ala ed-Din Konya

Historical Context: This 1 Akce coin hails from the Beylik of Karaman, issued during the extensive reign of 'Ala ed-Din Ali Bey (1361-1398). The Karamanids were one of the most powerful and enduring Anatolian beyliks, frequently challenging the rising dominance of the Ottoman Empire. Minted in Konya, a city of profound historical and cultural significance that served as the Karamanid capital for much of this period, this coin embodies the independent sovereignty of a major regional power. Its issuance reflects a period of intense geopolitical competition in Anatolia, where various Turkish principalities vied for control before the eventual Ottoman consolidation.

Artistry: Adhering to the aniconic tradition prevalent in Islamic numismatics, the artistry of this Akce is expressed through its intricate calligraphy. The engraver, typical of the era, remains anonymous, yet demonstrates a skilled hand in rendering the Arabic inscriptions. The design prioritizes legibility and textual information over pictorial representation, featuring the ruler's name, titles, and the mint city of Konya, likely in a clear Naskh or Thuluth script. These inscriptions would be arranged within simple circular or linear borders, showcasing the functional yet elegant aesthetic of medieval Anatolian coinage, where the message conveyed through text was paramount.

Technical/Grading: As a hammered silver Akce, this coin's technical qualities are typical of 14th-century production. High-points for wear assessment would primarily involve the raised elements of the calligraphy, particularly the ascenders and descenders of letters and any central decorative motifs. Due to the manufacturing process, variations in strike quality are common, including off-center strikes, uneven planchet thickness, and areas of weaker impression. A well-struck example would exhibit crisp, fully legible inscriptions for both the ruler's name and the Konya mint mark on a reasonably round, well-prepared 15mm flan, with its 1.55-gram weight indicative of its intended silver purity.