1 Dirham - Al-'Abbas b. Muhammad b. Nasr Kasan

Historical Context: This silver dirham, issued in 1030 by the United Qarakhanid Khaganate, names Al-'Abbas b. Muhammad b. Nasr Kasan. This individual was likely a regional governor or local potentate within the expansive Qarakhanid realm, possibly minting in Kasan. The Qarakhanids, a Turkic dynasty, controlled vast Central Asian territories. Their coinage reflects a complex system of shared authority, where local rulers asserted presence while acknowledging central power. The 3.85 gram weight is standard, signifying its role in regional commerce.

Artistry: Qarakhanid numismatic artistry is predominantly epigraphic, adhering to Islamic aniconic principles. Without an identified engraver, the stylistic school is defined by Kufic script, forming the core of the coin's design. Obverse and reverse typically feature the Kalima, Quranic verses, ruler's name, mint, and date. The aesthetic quality of such dirhams hinges on the elegance, spacing, and execution of this Arabic script, which varied significantly, representing a distinctive Central Asian Islamic artistic expression.

Technical/Grading: The technical strike quality of Qarakhanid dirhams often varies. A premium example exhibits a well-centered strike with full, clear legends across the entire flan, indicating a precisely aligned die and sufficient striking force. High-points for wear typically include the most raised portions of the Kufic script, such as vertical shafts and thickest parts of baseline letters. Irregular flan shapes and minor off-centering are common, but a strong strike bringing up all intricate calligraphy details is highly prized.