Umayyad Gold Dinar Minted Under Umar Ibn-Aziz - LC.222, Origin: Minted in Damascus, Circa: 718 AD to 719 AD, Weight: 4.3 Grams, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Umayyad,  More »

Umayyad Gold Dinar Minted Under Umar Ibn-Aziz - LC.222, Origin: Minted in Damascus, Circa: 718 AD to 719 AD, Weight: 4.3 Grams, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Umayyad, Medium: Gold, The early history of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad can be characterized by glorious wars and victories on the one hand and by jealousy, intrigue, and deceit on the other. When the Umayyad Dynasty ruled in splendor from their capital at Damascus, a coin such as this would have been recognized and traded throughout their expanding empire. The rulers of the Umayyad Dynasty, beginning with the founder, Mu'awiyah, claimed a blood relationship with the Prophet via his sister, Umm Habibah, and his Abu-Sufyan, the leader of the Meccan Quraysh. As the Islam spread across North Africa and into Europe, political rivalry began to emerge between the Caliphs. These family feuds would culminate in 749 A.D. when the entire Umayyad clan was murdered, save for abd-al- Rahman, who fled to Spain and founded an independent Umayyad Caliphate there. In part, this division between opposing Muslim factions of Shi’ite and the Sunni continue to this day. Overall, the period of the Umayyad Dynasty can be characterized by a love of luxury. Great palaces were erected in the capital of Damascus. It is also noted that the Caliphs Yazi I and II were "passionate friends of sport, music and lady singers."   « Less

Umayyad Gold Dinar Minted Under Umar Ibn-Aziz - LC.223, Origin: Minted in Damascus, Circa: 718 AD to 719 AD, Weight: 3.4 Grams, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Umayyad,  More »

Umayyad Gold Dinar Minted Under Umar Ibn-Aziz - LC.223, Origin: Minted in Damascus, Circa: 718 AD to 719 AD, Weight: 3.4 Grams, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Umayyad, Medium: Gold, The early history of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad can be characterized by glorious wars and victories on the one hand and by jealousy, intrigue, and deceit on the other. When the Umayyad Dynasty ruled in splendor from their capital at Damascus, a coin such as this would have been recognized and traded throughout their expanding empire. The rulers of the Umayyad Dynasty, beginning with the founder, Mu'awiyah, claimed a blood relationship with the Prophet via his sister, Umm Habibah, and his Abu-Sufyan, the leader of the Meccan Quraysh. As the Islam spread across North Africa and into Europe, political rivalry began to emerge between the Caliphs. These family feuds would culminate in 749 A.D. when the entire Umayyad clan was murdered, save for abd-al- Rahman, who fled to Spain and founded an independent Umayyad Caliphate there. In part, this division between opposing Muslim factions of Shi’ite and the Sunni continue to this day. Overall, the period of the Umayyad Dynasty can be characterized by a love of luxury. Great palaces were erected in the capital of Damascus. It is also noted that the Caliphs Yazi I and II were "passionate friends of sport, music and lady singers."   « Less

Mughal Gold Dinar Minted Under Shah Jahan - LC.234, Origin: India, Circa: 1628 AD to 1658 AD, Weight: 11 Grams, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Gold, The  More »

Mughal Gold Dinar Minted Under Shah Jahan - LC.234, Origin: India, Circa: 1628 AD to 1658 AD, Weight: 11 Grams, Collection: Islamic Art, Style: Mughal, Medium: Gold, The Mughal Dynasty was founded by Zahiru al- Din Babur upon three successive victorious battles that allowed him to secure control of northern India. A Muslim minority in a Hindu land, the Mughal would rule India from 1526- 1858. After Babur, each ruler managed to extend Mughal dominance over the natives until the entire subcontinent was under their authority, from the foothills of the Himalayas all the way to the southern tip of Cape Comorin. However, soon after, Emperor Aurangzeb abandoned the religious tolerance that characterized the rule of his ancestors and attempted to convert the whole of India to Islam. This deliberate change in policy naturally ignited numerous rebellions. As the revolts spread across the land, including groups that had been loyal to the Mughals for many generations, the arrival of the Europeans added further complications. The ambitions of the European powers extended beyond mere trade, and their superior military power and organization completely stripped the Mughal of any naval power. The Mughal Dynasty continued onward, becoming successively weaker and weaker with each ruler until the British finally overcame both the Mughals and the native Hindus by exploiting their animosity towards each other, ending a three hundred year period of Muslim rule in the subcontinent.   « Less

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Mansur I - C.10358, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 965 AD to 966 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first  More »

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Mansur I - C.10358, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 965 AD to 966 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous Muslim dynasty to rule Iran following the Arab conquest, the Samanid Dynasty was founded in 819 A.D. by Saman- Khuda, a Persian vassal of the Abbasid Empire. However, not until the reign of Saman- Khuda’s great-grandson, Ismail I (892-907 A.D.), did Samanid power become extensive, eventually spreading outside of Iran and into Central Asia. The coins of the Samanids were used throughout North Asia, revealing their enormous influence on the region. Today, the Samanid Dynasty is renown as a time of cultural flourishing, especially in regards to the arts of poetry and pottery. The capital of Bukhara was also one of the cultural centers of the empire, along with the cities of Samarkand and Nishapur. Perhaps their most important influence on Islamic art was the Samanid innovation of slip painting that allowed for more refined, controlled glazed decorations on terracotta vessels and tiles. The Samanid Dynasty was a period of nationalism, where the Persian people regained power from the hands of foreign invaders. While Samanid power gradually waned throughout the 10th century in response to the rise of Turkic power in Central Asia and Afghanistan, during their rule the foundations of a native Iranian Islamic culture were firmly established.   « Less

Umayyad Gold Dinar Minted Under Al-Walid - C.10359, Origin: Minted in Damascus, Circa: 705 AD to 715 AD, Collection: Numismatics, tyle: Umayyad, Medium: Gold, The early  More »

Umayyad Gold Dinar Minted Under Al-Walid - C.10359, Origin: Minted in Damascus, Circa: 705 AD to 715 AD, Collection: Numismatics, tyle: Umayyad, Medium: Gold, The early history of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad can be characterized by glorious wars and victories on the one hand and by jealousy, intrigue, and deceit on the other. When the Umayyad Dynasty ruled in splendor from their capital at Damascus, a coin such as this would have been recognized and traded throughout their expanding empire. The rulers of the Umayyad Dynasty, beginning with the founder, Mu'awiyah, claimed a blood relationship with the Prophet via his sister, Umm Habibah, and his Abu-Sufyan, the leader of the Meccan Quraysh. As the Islam spread across North Africa and into Europe, political rivalry began to emerge between the Caliphs. These family feuds would culminate in 749 A.D. when the entire Umayyad clan was murdered, save for Abd-al-Rahman, who fled to Spain and founded an independent Umayyad Caliphate there. In part, this division between opposing Muslim factions of Shi’ite and the Sunni continue to this day. Overall, the period of the Umayyad Dynasty can be characterized by a love of luxury. Great palaces were erected in the capital of Damascus. It is also noted that the Caliphs Yazi I and II were "passionate friends of sport, music and lady singers."   « Less

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Nasr II - C.10360, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 939 AD to 940 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first  More »

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Nasr II - C.10360, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 939 AD to 940 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous Muslim dynasty to rule Iran following the Arab conquest, the Samanid Dynasty was founded in 819 A.D. by Saman- Khuda, a Persian vassal of the Abbasid Empire. However, not until the reign of Saman- Khuda’s great-grandson, Ismail I (892-907 A.D.), did Samanid power become extensive, eventually spreading outside of Iran and into Central Asia. The coins of the Samanids were used throughout North Asia, revealing their enormous influence on the region. Today, the Samanid Dynasty is renown as a time of cultural flourishing, especially in regards to the arts of poetry and pottery. The capital of Bukhara was also one of the cultural centers of the empire, along with the cities of Samarkand and Nishapur. Perhaps their most important influence on Islamic art was the Samanid innovation of slip painting that allowed for more refined, controlled glazed decorations on terracotta vessels and tiles. The Samanid Dynasty was a period of nationalism, where the Persian people regained power from the hands of foreign invaders. While Samanid power gradually waned throughout the 10th century in response to the rise of Turkic power in Central Asia and Afghanistan, during their rule the foundations of a native Iranian Islamic culture were firmly established.   « Less

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Hamid Nuh I - C.10361, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 952 AD to 953 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first  More »

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Hamid Nuh I - C.10361, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 952 AD to 953 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous Muslim dynasty to rule Iran following the Arab conquest, the Samanid Dynasty was founded in 819 A.D. by Saman- Khuda, a Persian vassal of the Abbasid Empire. However, not until the reign of Saman- Khuda’s great-grandson, Ismail I (892-907 A.D.), did Samanid power become extensive, eventually spreading outside of Iran and into Central Asia. The coins of the Samanids were used throughout North Asia, revealing their enormous influence on the region. Today, the Samanid Dynasty is renown as a time of cultural flourishing, especially in regards to the arts of poetry and pottery. The capital of Bukhara was also one of the cultural centers of the empire, along with the cities of Samarkand and Nishapur. Perhaps their most important influence on Islamic art was the Samanid innovation of slip painting that allowed for more refined, controlled glazed decorations on terracotta vessels and tiles. The Samanid Dynasty was a period of nationalism, where the Persian people regained power from the hands of foreign invaders. While Samanid power gradually waned throughout the 10th century in response to the rise of Turkic power in Central Asia and Afghanistan, during their rule the foundations of a native Iranian Islamic culture were firmly established.   « Less

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Nasr II - C.10362, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 933 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous  More »

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Nasr II - C.10362, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 933 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous Muslim dynasty to rule Iran following the Arab conquest, the Samanid Dynasty was founded in 819 A.D. by Saman- Khuda, a Persian vassal of the Abbasid Empire. However, not until the reign of Saman- Khuda’s great-grandson, Ismail I (892-907 A.D.), did Samanid power become extensive, eventually spreading outside of Iran and into Central Asia. The coins of the Samanids were used throughout North Asia, revealing their enormous influence on the region. Today, the Samanid Dynasty is renown as a time of cultural flourishing, especially in regards to the arts of poetry and pottery. The capital of Bukhara was also one of the cultural centers of the empire, along with the cities of Samarkand and Nishapur. Perhaps their most important influence on Islamic art was the Samanid innovation of slip painting that allowed for more refined, controlled glazed decorations on terracotta vessels and tiles. The Samanid Dynasty was a period of nationalism, where the Persian people regained power from the hands of foreign invaders. While Samanid power gradually waned throughout the 10th century in response to the rise of Turkic power in Central Asia and Afghanistan, during their rule the foundations of a native Iranian Islamic culture were firmly established.   « Less

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Abdul Malik I - C.10363, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 957 AD to 958 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first  More »

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Abdul Malik I - C.10363, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 957 AD to 958 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous Muslim dynasty to rule Iran following the Arab conquest, the Samanid Dynasty was founded in 819 A.D. by Saman- Khuda, a Persian vassal of the Abbasid Empire. However, not until the reign of Saman- Khuda’s great-grandson, Ismail I (892-907 A.D.), did Samanid power become extensive, eventually spreading outside of Iran and into Central Asia. The coins of the Samanids were used throughout North Asia, revealing their enormous influence on the region. Today, the Samanid Dynasty is renown as a time of cultural flourishing, especially in regards to the arts of poetry and pottery. The capital of Bukhara was also one of the cultural centers of the empire, along with the cities of Samarkand and Nishapur. Perhaps their most important influence on Islamic art was the Samanid innovation of slip painting that allowed for more refined, controlled glazed decorations on terracotta vessels and tiles. The Samanid Dynasty was a period of nationalism, where the Persian people regained power from the hands of foreign invaders. While Samanid power gradually waned throughout the 10th century in response to the rise of Turkic power in Central Asia and Afghanistan, during their rule the foundations of a native Iranian Islamic culture were firmly established.   « Less

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Nasr II - C.10364, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 933 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous  More »

Samanid Gold Dinar Minted Under Nasr II - C.10364, Origin: Minted in Nishapur, Circa: 933 AD, Collection: Numismatics, Style: Samanid, Medium: Gold, The first indigenous Muslim dynasty to rule Iran following the Arab conquest, the Samanid Dynasty was founded in 819 A.D. by Saman- Khuda, a Persian vassal of the Abbasid Empire. However, not until the reign of Saman- Khuda’s great-grandson, Ismail I (892-907 A.D.), did Samanid power become extensive, eventually spreading outside of Iran and into Central Asia. The coins of the Samanids were used throughout North Asia, revealing their enormous influence on the region. Today, the Samanid Dynasty is renown as a time of cultural flourishing, especially in regards to the arts of poetry and pottery. The capital of Bukhara was also one of the cultural centers of the empire, along with the cities of Samarkand and Nishapur. Perhaps their most important influence on Islamic art was the Samanid innovation of slip painting that allowed for more refined, controlled glazed decorations on terracotta vessels and tiles. The Samanid Dynasty was a period of nationalism, where the Persian people regained power from the hands of foreign invaders. While Samanid power gradually waned throughout the 10th century in response to the rise of Turkic power in Central Asia and Afghanistan, during their rule the foundations of a native Iranian Islamic culture were firmly established.   « Less