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Dirham - 'Ala al-din Muhammad 'Muhammad II of Khwarezm'
| Issuer | Khwarezmian Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1200-1220 |
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| Currency | Dinar (1077-1231) |
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| Obverse description | Central field dominated by Arabic calligraphic inscriptions arranged in horizontal bands, with the primary legend proclaiming the ruling title and name of 'Ala al-Din Muhammad II, Shah of Khwarezm. The inscriptions are enclosed within a beaded inner border, with further marginal Arabic text running along the outer zone. Characteristic of Khwarezmian hammered silver coinage, the flan is irregular and the legends exhibit the bold, angular Kufic-influenced script typical of the early 13th-century eastern Islamic world. The die work is relatively crude, with areas of weak strike evident due to the hand-hammered production technique. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic |
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| Reverse description | Central field features a large mihrab or arch-shaped device formed by Arabic calligraphic legends, with a prominent vertical element rising from the base suggestive of a stylized architectural motif. Arabic inscriptions occupy both the interior of the arch and the surrounding marginal zone, containing the Shahada or other religious formulae standard to Sunni Islamic coinage of the period. The flan is broad but uneven, with areas of flat strike and irregular edges consistent with hammered production. A beaded border frames the central design, partially visible around the circumference. The overall style is consistent with Khwarezmian dirham coinage of the late 12th to early 13th century. |
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