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As stated before, these coins were among the first of the Islamic denomination system and were minted mostly in silver, gold, and copper. Coin gathering changed a lot throughout the ages after the rise of the Islamic empire.
The following are some of the more common types:
Dirham
The Islamic Dirham coin originated in 696 CE when Abd al-Malik ordered that coins be minted for the empire in a currency system that was to replace all local currencies. The original Dirham was based on the Roman silver denarius. Dirham coins were made in large amounts and took different designs as shown by areas some bearing inscriptions in Arabic while others were in Greek or Latin.
Dinar
The dinar Islamic coin was about the size of the dirham and carried a similar value, being based on the Roman gold coin, the aureus. Like the dirham, the dinar went through numerous changes in design through the various Islamic empires, while its size and gold purity remained unchanged. The most notable dinar coin is that of the caliph Abd al-Malik, which bears an inscription of 'There is no God, but Allah,' thus abolishing all earlier pagan currency. The dinar was used widely in trade and commerce, thus laying the foundation of economic interaction across the vast Islamic territory.
Fals
This ancient islamic coin was introduced in the Umayyad period and was meant to be applied in daily transaction since it came from base metals. The coin experienced several changes in worth and form in different Islamic regions, as some were incorporated into the systems of coins that were entirely different from the Islamic system.
Ayqal
The Ayqal was a lesser-known Islamic coin, primarily used in trade by the people of the sea and regions that were thriving in trade. It was not as widely circulated as the Dirham and dinar and was mostly used in local trading.
Islamic coins are renowned for their historical significance and aesthetic beauty. One of the fundamental principles of Islamic art is the avoidance of depicting living beings, including humans and animals, which is rooted in religious beliefs. This guideline greatly influenced the design of Islamic coins, leading to the development of unique artistic and symbolic elements.
Calligraphy
Calligraphy emerged as the dominant artistic form, with inscriptions often including religious phrases, the name of the ruling caliph, and declarations of faith. These inscriptions were not merely functional; they were intricately designed and formed a central aesthetic component of the coins. The quality of the calligraphy was so significant that it often determined the coin's value among collectors.
Geometric Patterns
Since earlier Islamic periods were thought to have opposed the use of depicting living things, geometric designs caught on quickly as a replacement. These patterns are multi-faceted and can easily be replicated, allowing for a wider variety of design options across Islamic coins of different cultural influences.
Floral Motifs
Beyond the geometric designs, we can also find much more organic forms of decoration aimed primarily at representing the beauty of nature, plant life, and flowers. These were used in India and Persia in particular, where such Arabian artwork had more prominence.
Religious Symbolism
Religious symbols, such as the mosque's silhouette, the crescent moon, and stars, found their way onto coins to signify their importance in Islamic culture. These symbols were used to honor the faith and its adherence while ensuring that no living creature was portrayed.
The Caliph and the State
The ruler or caliph of Islamic empires was often depicted on coins, though in a more abstract form, as a symbol of his authority and legitimacy. This representation was often accompanied by titles and claims of power, reinforcing the political message and unifying the currency across vast territories.
Historical Significance
Islamic coins offer insights into historical events, trade routes, and cultural influences. They reflect the vastness of the Islamic Empire and the interactions it had with other civilizations, including the Byzantines, Indians, and Chinese. This value is not only important for numismatics but also for historiography, as they act as witnesses to the kind of political, economic, and social events of the time.
Cultural Exchange
Coins bearing diverse designs and inscriptions from different parts of the Islamic world attest to the cultural exchange within the empire. Islamic Coin reproductions were used to foster intercultural dialogue as they transcended borders and demonstrated the shared artistic and intellectual heritage.
Educational Tools
Islamic coins are indispensable in museums, schools, and academic institutions for people trying to understand Islamic artwork, economics, history, and religious influence. These coins provide a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors and students to grasp the complexities of Islamic civilization's contributions to global history further.
Economic Understanding
In the Islamic Empire, coins were crucial in carrying out business as well as intersocietal liaison. The initial set of Islamic coins was a landmark in standardizing currency and constructing a resilient economic framework that enabled smooth trading throughout an increasingly expansive territory. Then and today, accountability in monetary systems was directly tied to the era's political stability.
Aesthetic and Artistic Value
Islamic coins are a key cultural artifact noted for their intricate designs, which survey and set in motion Islamic art. Though within the abstract as opposed to the figurative, the application of calligraphy, geometry, and patterns of nature resulted in a design highly prized by numismatists and artists alike. These coins represent a marriage of utility and artistry and demonstrate the richness of Islamic artistic traditions.
The value of Islamic coins as historical treasures mandates their proper care. These coins can thus be kept in their original states for research, trading, or exhibition purposes. In addition, there is a need to avoid the bad effects of time on these rare pieces.
Recycling of Islamic Coin designs
If the initial design of the Islamic coin was not allowed to pass on different coin designs in the Islamic world, many coin designs would take their origins from an earlier period. The Kufic script and geometric patterns, which are distinct features of Islamic art, were recurrently used in coins through different periods of Islamic history to ensure the same designs of coins appeared.
Proper Storage of Ancient Islamic Coins:
Come Islamic coins are rather old and may have hefty historical significance. To ensure that such coins remain unscathed, traders advised that collectors store the coins in acidic-free plastic envelopes or coin capsules. Such an arrangement will prevent the coins from touching one another and also from interacting with moisture in the atmosphere.
Prevention of Damage
Handling ancient Islamic coins without taking caution can result in some coins getting damaged. In order to maintain the integrity of the coins, one should wear cotton gloves so that the oils on the hands do not come into contact with the coins. Also, coins should be handled using soft tweezers and must not be placed on hard surfaces.
Climate Control
Changes in temperature and relative humidity can spoil coins, especially those made of bronze, silver, or gold, as these metals are prone to changing shape. Air conditioning systems should ideally be used to maintain a standard temperature and relative humidity where ancient Islamic coins are stored, while silica gel should be included in storage containers to absorb moisture.
Conservation and Restoration
Even though maintaining the original form of an ancient Islamic coin is important, it is also important to separate the piece from any active attempts at cleaning it. If a coin is over-cleaned or its surface is altered, it would lose its historical value as well as its monetary value. Always work with professionals who understand how to preserve such items properly.
Regular Inspection
Constant checks are necessary when keeping such coins to detect any possible signs of tarnishing and corrosion. Coins may exhibit signs of reaction after prolonged storage, especially those made of silver or copper. When carrying out the checks, one uses cotton gloves and appropriate tools to avoid disturbing the coin or leaving any marks on it.
A1: Islamic coins were made from gold, silver, and copper. The Umayyads preferred to use silver for the Dirham and gold for the Dinar coins.
A2: Calligraphy was especially important on the coins due to the prohibition of images. As a result, the calligraphy was used to create art and show religious and political authority.
A3: The standardization of the Islamic coin system made transactions easier and more effective across regions, thus promoting trade within the vast empire.
A4: Yes, Islamic coins known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially those which have such historical importance, are highly valued among collectors and historians.
A5: Islamic coin designs might be referred to as recycled in different epochs when the same basic elements of that design were used to create new coin designs.
