1 Dirham - Zufar Ziz

Historical Context: Zufar Ziz, associated with the Kharijite dynasty, issued this silver dirham between 791-795 CE, during the early Abbasid Caliphate. This era was marked by widespread political and religious dissent, with Kharijites frequently establishing independent emirates. Issuing coinage was a potent declaration of sovereignty, challenging central Abbasid power and signifying Zufar Ziz's claim to legitimate rule within his sphere of influence. Such issues offer crucial numismatic evidence of these often ephemeral independent states, providing unique insights into the political fragmentation of the period.

Artistry: Consistent with early Islamic aniconic traditions, this dirham's artistry focuses entirely on calligraphic excellence. While specific engravers are typically unrecorded for such provincial issues, the stylistic school adheres to the established Kufic script prevalent in the late 8th century. The design typically features central religious inscriptions, such as the Kalima (Shahada), encircled by Quranic verses and essential minting details. Kharijite issues sometimes show subtle variations in script emphasis or the selection of Quranic passages, subtly differentiating them from mainstream Abbasid coinage and reflecting their distinct theological stance.

Technical/Grading: This 2.52 gram silver dirham is evaluated on several technical merits. High-points for grading include the clarity and completeness of the central legends on both obverse and reverse, the integrity of the outer annulets, and the crispness of the mint and date information. Given its Kharijite origin, strikes can sometimes exhibit provincial characteristics such as minor off-centering, slight die wear, or planchet irregularities compared to imperial Abbasid issues. However, well-struck examples display sharp, well-formed Kufic script and a consistent metallic luster, crucial for historical interpretation.