Catalog
| Issuer | Ilkhanate |
|---|---|
| Year | 1255-1265 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Dirham (0.7) |
| Currency | Dinar (1256-1388) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.74 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | A#2122.2, Diler#H-27, SICA 9#1369 |
| Obverse description | Kalima, surrounded by Qur`an III, 26 |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Arabic |
| Obverse lettering |
(Translation: Field: lā ilāha illā Allāh / waḥdahū lā sharīka lahū / Muḥammad rasūl Allāh Margin: allāhumma mālik al-mulk tuʾtī al-mulk man tashāʾ wa tanziʿu al-mulk mimman tashā Field: There is no deity but Allah, the One / there is no partner to Him / Muhammad is the messenger of Allah Margin: O Allah, Owner of the Kingdom! Thou givest the kingdom to whomsoever Thou pleasest and takest away the kingdom from whomsoever Thou pleasest) |
| Reverse description | Hulagu`s titulature, citing Möngke as `The supreme Khan,` surrounded by mint and date in margin. |
| Reverse script | Arabic |
| Reverse lettering |
(Translation: qāʾān / al-aʿẓam / Hūlākū īlkhān / al-muʿẓẓam The supreme Khan; Hulagu, the great Ilkhan) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1255-1265) - Baghdad Mint - ND (1255-1265) - Irbil Mint - ND (1255-1265) - Jazira Mint - ND (1255-1265) - Jazira Mint, as `Jazira al-Umariya` - ND (1255-1265) - Mardin Mint - ND (1255-1265) - Mardin Mint, as `Mardin al-Mahrusa` - ND (1255-1265) - Mawsil Mint - ND (1255-1265) - Mayyafariqin Mint - ND (1255-1265) - Mubarakiya Mint, as `Mubarakiya al-Mahrusa` - ND (1255-1265) - Quran on Obverse & Reverse, No Mint or Date - ND (1255-1265) - Urmiya Mint - |
| Numisquare ID | 3030951170 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver dirham, issued 1255-1265, originates from the nascent Ilkhanate under Hulagu Khan. This period marks the establishment of a distinct Mongol successor state in the Near East, following the 1258 conquest of Baghdad. Crucially, the absence of Möngke Khan's name on this coinage signifies Hulagu's assertion of regional autonomy. This numismatic omission reflects the Ilkhanate's nascent independent identity, making this coin a tangible declaration of Hulagu's personal authority.
Artistry: The dirham's design adheres to established Islamic numismatic traditions, prioritizing calligraphic elegance. Engravers remain anonymous, but the stylistic school utilizes clear Kufic or Naskh script to convey religious piety and political legitimacy. Central legends proclaim Hulagu's titles, often including the Kalima, while marginal inscriptions denote mint and date. The aesthetic emphasizes legibility and authoritative communication, with the deliberate omission of the Great Khan's name serving as a key design feature conveying Ilkhanid sovereignty.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.74 grams and measuring 26 millimeters, this dirham conforms to standard Ilkhanid silver coinage specifications. High-points prone to wear include the most raised elements of the central Arabic script and delicate details within marginal legends. Technical strike qualities vary due to hand-striking; examples range from well-centered, evenly struck specimens to those exhibiting slight off-centering or uneven pressure. Flan shapes can also vary from round to slightly irregular, reflecting prevalent minting techniques.