Catalog
| Issuer | Ghaznavid dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 999-1007 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Dirham (0.7) |
| Currency | Dinar (977-1186) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10 g |
| Diameter | 48 mm |
| Thickness | 0.9 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | A#1608, Mitch WI#765-766 |
| Obverse description | Governor`s name atop margin. Mint and year in margin (Bismillah). Kalima, Caliph`s name with sword below in centre. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
بالکاتگین اندرابه سنه تسع و ثما و ثلة لا إله إلا الله وحده لاشريك له القادر بالله (Translation: Balkategin Andarabah year nine and eighty and three hundred There is no God but Allah alone Has no partner al-Qadir Billah) |
| Reverse description | Kalima, Mahmud and his titles, enclosed in a circle centre. One marginal inscription. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering |
محمد رسول الله يمين الدوله و امين المله محمود (Translation: Muhammad is the Messenger of God Yamin al-Dawlah wa Amin al-Millah Mahmud) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
اندرابه Andarabah, Afghanistan |
| Mintage |
389 (999) - Andarabah mint - ND (1000-1007) - 390-397H. Andarabah or Warwarliz mint - |
| Numisquare ID | 7025893940 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This imposing Multiple Dirham was issued during Mahmud of Ghazni's pivotal reign (998-1030 CE), marking the Ghaznavid dynasty's zenith. Dated 999-1007, these coins reflect Mahmud's power consolidation and imperial wealth. A formidable leader and patron, he transformed Ghazni into a cultural and political hub. Its size and weight underscore its significance as a high-value medium or prestigious presentation piece, emblematic of his vast authority.
Artistry: Adhering to aniconic Islamic numismatic traditions, the design features predominantly Kufic calligraphy. The anonymous engraver represents the Ghaznavid stylistic school, characterized by elegant yet forceful script. The expansive 48mm flan allowed for generous religious epigraphy: the Kalima and Quranic verses on the obverse, complemented by Mahmud