Tanka - Ya'qub Amid mint
| Issuer | Tribal federation of Aq Qoyunlu |
|---|---|
| Year | 1479-1491 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Tanka |
| Currency | Tanka (1378-1501) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 5.03 g |
| Diameter | 17.49 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Islamic date |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Ruler`s name Ya`qub on top, mint `Zarb Amid` at bottom |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
883 (1479) - - 884 (1480) - - 885 (1481) - - 886 (1481) - - 887 (1482) - - 888 (1483) - - 889 (1484) - - 890 (1485) - - 891 (1486) - - 892 (1487) - - 893 (1488) - - 894 (1489) - - 895 (1490) - - 896 (1491) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2418066220 |
| Additional information |
×
![]()
Historical Context: This Tanka was issued under Sultan Ya'qub Beg (1478-1490), marking the zenith of the Aq Qoyunlu (White Sheep Turkmen) confederation. Struck at the pivotal Amid mint, it reflects a period of significant political stability and cultural flourishing. Ya'qub’s reign saw extensive patronage of arts and architecture, with the Tanka serving as the standard silver currency, underscoring the confederation's economic power before its eventual decline.
Artistry: The Tanka's design embodies the sophisticated Islamic epigraphic tradition of the era. The anonymous engraver, likely a skilled calligrapher, adapted earlier Ilkhanid and Timurid influences. The stylistic school emphasizes elegant Arabic script, typically Thuluth or refined Kufic. The obverse features Ya'qub's name and titles, while the reverse displays the "Amid" mint name and regnal date, often with religious formulae, all rendered with precision.
Technical