5 Ashrafi - Isma`il I Safavi Kashan

Isma'il I founded the Safavid state in 1501 and almost immediately imposed Twelver Shi'ism as the official religion of Iran — a political and theological rupture that defined the dynasty's coinage from the outset. The multi-ashrafi denominations, of which the 5-ashrafi is among the heaviest gold issues, were produced in limited quantities and almost certainly served diplomatic or ceremonial functions rather than everyday exchange. Kashan was one of the earliest mints brought under Safavid control following Isma'il's conquest of central Iran.