1 Dinar - Abu Faris ‘Abd al-‘Aziz I Madinat Fas

Historical Context: This 1 Dinar gold coin was issued by Abu Faris ‘Abd al-‘Aziz I (r. 1366-1372 CE), a Marinid sultan whose reign marked a period of relative stability and renewed strength for the dynasty following earlier internal strife. Minted in Madinat Fas (Fez), the venerable Marinid capital, this coinage underscores the sultan’s assertion of central authority and economic control over a key commercial and intellectual hub. The Dinar's issuance reflects the dynasty's access to significant gold resources, largely through trans-Saharan trade, projecting an image of prosperity and legitimacy amidst persistent regional rivalries and the ongoing pressures from the Iberian Peninsula.

Artistry: Marinid numismatic artistry, as evidenced by this Dinar, strictly adheres to the aniconic principles of Islamic coinage. The aesthetic value is entirely derived from the masterful execution of the calligraphic inscriptions, typically rendered in a refined Kufic or an elegant early Naskh script. While individual engravers remain largely anonymous for this period, the stylistic school emphasizes clarity, balance, and a sophisticated arrangement of the religious formulae and the ruler’s titles. The precision of the die-cutting and the legibility of the intricate Arabic script are paramount artistic considerations, often incorporating subtle decorative elements within the letterforms.

Technical/Grading: For this Marinid 1 Dinar, critical grading points focus on the sharpness and completeness of the central legends on both obverse and reverse. The delicate serifs, diacritical marks, and the elongated vertical strokes within the Arabic script are particularly prone to wear or weakness from striking. Evaluation must also consider the integrity of the outer dotted or linear borders, which frequently exhibit partial or complete effacement due to insufficient striking pressure or uneven planchet preparation. Planchet quality, including its roundness, thickness uniformity, and any evidence of flan cracks or laminations, is crucial for assessing the overall condition and strike quality.