Æ Fals -al-Ẓāhir Khushqadam Burji dynasty

Historical Context: This Æ Fals was issued during the reign of al-Ẓāhir Khushqadam, a Burji Mamluk Sultan who ruled from 1461 to 1467. His era represented a period of relative stability within the declining Mamluk Sultanate, which was increasingly challenged by the burgeoning Ottoman Empire and internal economic strains. Copper coinage, such as this fals, played a vital role in the daily economy, facilitating common transactions and providing essential liquidity for the populace when precious metal issues were scarce or reserved for larger commercial exchanges.

Artistry: The artistry of this fals adheres to the established Mamluk numismatic tradition, characterized by a strong epigraphic style. Engravers, whose identities are typically unrecorded, focused on the clarity and aesthetic power of Arabic calligraphy, often employing robust Thuluth or Kufic scripts. The design would prominently display Sultan Khushqadam's name and titles, possibly accompanied by a religious phrase. The substantial 31mm diameter of this copper coin provided ample space for bold, legible inscriptions, underscoring the sultan's authority and piety through the written word rather than pictorial representation.

Technical/Grading: Key high-points for grading this Æ Fals would be the raised elements of the calligraphy, specifically the ascenders and descenders of letters, and any decorative flourishes. Mamluk copper coinage frequently exhibits variability in technical strike qualities; issues with centering, planchet preparation, and overall strike strength are common. A well-struck example would feature clear, complete legends, sharp definition of the inscriptions, and minimal weakness at the edges, despite the large flan size which often led to uneven strikes.