1 Akçe - Muhammad b. Ibrahim

Historical Context: The 1 Akçe of Muhammad b. Ibrahim represents the autonomous coinage of the Menteshe Beylik, a prominent Anatolian maritime power flourishing from 1359 to 1390. Muhammad Bey, son of Ibrahim, asserted Menteshe's sovereignty during a complex period marked by the decline of the Ilkhanate and the rise of various Turkoman Beyliks, including the nascent Ottoman state. Issuing his own Akçe, a widely accepted silver denomination, underscored his economic independence and political authority in southwestern Anatolia, a region vital for trade and naval power.

Artistry: Consistent with Islamic numismatic traditions, the artistry of this Akçe is primarily epigraphic. The design features elegant calligraphic inscriptions, likely in Naskh script, on both the obverse and reverse. While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for the era, the stylistic school emphasizes the clarity and aesthetic arrangement of the ruler's name, patronymic, and possibly a religious formula or mint designation within a circular or dotted border. The absence of figural imagery adheres strictly to Islamic aniconism.

Technical/Grading: This silver Akçe, weighing 0.88 grams, typically presents on a small, thin flan. High-points for grading would focus on the legibility and completeness of the central inscriptions, particularly the ruler's name and any dates or mints, as these are often the first elements to show weakness. Due to manual striking, common technical qualities include irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and variable strike pressure resulting in areas of flatness or weakness, especially towards the edges.