1 Dinar - Mardawij ibn Ziyar Mah al-Basra

Historical Context: This gold dinar, struck in 934 CE (322 AH) at Mah al-Basra, asserts the sovereignty of Mardawij ibn Ziyar, founder of the Ziyarid dynasty. Mardawij, a Dailamite warlord, established a significant, albeit ephemeral, domain across northern and central Persia during a period of Abbasid decline. The minting at Mah al-Basra (likely Mah al-Kufa in Jibal) signifies his extensive territorial control, reaching westward from his Caspian strongholds. This coinage underscores his de facto independence and ambition, even while nominally acknowledging the Abbasid Caliph.

Artistry: The artistry of this aniconic dinar is purely epigraphic. The design is dominated by elegant Kufic script, characterized by its angular, bold, and often elongated letterforms. The aesthetic appeal derives from the precise arrangement of religious formulae (the Kalima and Qur'anic verses), the ruler's name, mint, and date. Calligraphic precision and balanced composition within the circular flan are the primary artistic considerations, reflecting the high regard for the written word in Islamic culture.

Technical/Grading: Key high-points for assessing this Ziyarid dinar include the clarity and completeness of the central Kufic inscriptions on both obverse and reverse. Particular attention should be paid to the legibility of the mint name "Mah al-Basra" and the date "322" (934 CE). The sharpness of Mardawij ibn Ziyar's name and any accompanying honorifics is also crucial. Furthermore, the integrity of the outer annulets or dotted borders provides insight into the quality of the strike and extent of wear.