Dirham - Ya'qub b. al-Layth

Issuer	Saffarid dynasty
Year	861-879
Type	Standard circulation coin
Value	Log in to see details
Currency	Log in to see details
Composition	Log in to see details
Weight	Log in to see details
Diameter	Log in to see details
Thickness	Log in to see details
Shape	Log in to see details
Technique	Log in to see details
Orientation	Log in to see details
Engraver(s)	Log in to see details
In circulation to	Log in to see details
Reference(s)	Log in to see details

Obverse description	Aniconic field entirely occupied by multiple lines of Kufic Arabic inscription arranged horizontally across the flan, consistent with the Abbasid-influenced dirham tradition adopted by the Saffarids. The central legend proclaims the shahada and Quranic verses, executed in bold, angular Kufic script. A circular marginal legend runs around the periphery of the coin, separated from the central field by a single linear border. The flan is irregular and slightly clipped, as typical of hammered silver dirhams of the period. The die work is competent, though strike quality is uneven, leaving portions of the marginal legend weakly impressed.
Obverse script	Log in to see details
Obverse lettering	Log in to see details
Reverse description	The reverse follows the standard Abbasid-Saffarid dirham format, bearing multiple horizontal lines of Kufic Arabic inscription occupying the central field. The legend names the Abbasid caliph and the Saffarid amir Ya'qub b. al-Layth as issuing authority, reflecting the political acknowledgment of caliphal suzerainty. A circular marginal inscription, partially visible due to the irregular flan and weak strike, runs along the border, likely containing a Quranic verse from Surah 9:33. The script is angular Kufic, consistent with eastern Islamic coinage of the third century AH. Traces of a linear inner border separate the central field from the marginal legend.
Reverse script	Arabic
Reverse lettering	Log in to see details
Edge	Log in to see details
Mint	Log in to see details
Mintage	Log in to see details
Additional information	Log in to see details