Dirham 'Dang' - Dawlat Berdi Qrim mint

Historical Context: This silver dirham, a 'Dang', was issued by Dawlat Berdi from the Qrim mint during the Golden Horde's tumultuous "Great Troubles" (1420-1421). Dawlat Berdi, a grandson of Urus Khan, was a prominent claimant to the fragmented throne. His coinage from Crimea signifies his assertion of legitimate authority and control over a vital region, offering crucial numismatic evidence for understanding the era's power struggles.

Artistry: The artistry of this 'Dang' follows established Golden Horde numismatic traditions, emphasizing aniconic design through calligraphy. While specific engravers are unknown, the stylistic school prioritizes legibility of royal and religious inscriptions. The obverse typically features Dawlat Berdi's name and titles, often accompanied by his distinctive trident-like tamgha. The reverse commonly displays the Qrim mint name and the Hijri date. The calligraphic elements form the primary aesthetic, reflecting Islamic artistic principles.

Technical/Grading: This 'Dang', weighing 0.84 grams and measuring 15 millimeters, exhibits characteristics typical of its period. High-points for grading include the central calligraphy and tamgha. Due to small, irregular flans and hurried production, full legends are rarely encountered, frequently extending off the planchet. Strikes often show variable pressure and off-center alignment. Planchet preparation is rudimentary, resulting in uneven flans. While silver content is generally good, surface preservation is impacted by circulation and burial.