Dirham - Anonymous al-Basra

Obverse description	The obverse follows the classic Abbasid epigraphic dirham format, presenting the Islamic declaration of faith (Shahada) in bold Kufic script across the central field: 'There is no god but God alone, He has no partner.' The central legend is enclosed within a single linear inner circle, surrounded by an annular marginal legend bearing the mint name (al-Basra) and the Hijri year of issue, reading: 'In the name of God, this dirham was struck at al-Basra in the year [dated year].' The marginal inscription is itself framed between two concentric linear borders, with a further outer beaded border completing the design. The entire composition is strictly aniconic, consisting solely of Kufic calligraphic text with no figural or symbolic devices, consistent with the reformed coinage tradition initiated under the Umayyads and continued by the early Abbasids.
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Reverse script	Arabic
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Edge	Plain
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