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1 Mithqal - Muhammad Khodabanda Safavi type A, Hamadan mint
| Issuer | Safavid Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1579 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | The obverse presents a densely inscribed field entirely occupied by bold Nasta'liq calligraphy arranged in multiple registers separated by a horizontal ruled line. The upper register bears the devotional formula proclaiming servitude to the Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi, while the lower register records the mint name Hamadan and the AH regnal year 986. The legends fill the flan to its irregular edges, characteristic of Safavid hammered gold coinage, with no pictorial device or border ornament, the inscriptions themselves constituting the sole decorative and informational element. |
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| Reverse script | Arabic |
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| Additional information |
Muhammad Khodabanda — also known as Shah Muhammad I — came to power in 1578 almost by accident, passed over for years due to severely impaired vision before factional court politics forced his accession after the death of Ismail II. His reign was dominated by the Qizilbash tribal confederacy, whose competing amirs held the real authority while the shah remained largely a figurehead. The Hamadan mint was active throughout Safavid rule as a provincial center in the western territories, a region under near-constant pressure from Ottoman incursions during exactly this period.
The A#2616.1 typing distinguishes this as the earlier format of his gold mithqal coinage, before modifications to the kalima arrangement introduced later in his reign.