FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board
Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Parthian and Other Eastern Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: Valladolid on May 21, 2006, 11:17:49 pm
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Hi All,
I know nothing about these coin types. I think they are Sasanian-Islamic. The coin on the left measures 25mm and the one on the right measures 23mm. Any help and even better references (so that I can learn to do this myself in the future) would be greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Josh
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These are both from Tabaristan. They are 1/2 dirhems based on the Sasanian standard, and should weigh around 2 grams each.
The coin on the left is from the anonymous Abzud issues. Abzud means to increase. It is combined with the word GDH to the left of the crown to mean "may his splendour increase. Your coin is from PYE 134 (169 AH) when Tabaristan was under the rule of the 'Abbasid governors. Your coin is listed as number 158.5 in Hodge Malek's The Dabuyid Ispahbads and Early 'Abbasid Governors of Tabaristan: History and Numismatics. I am not certain about the reading of the date, but your coin matches the breast ornament and shoulder ornaments for 158.5. It also has the star to the left of the altar and what I think is a crescent to the right of the altar as 158.5 has.
You second coin is a post-Khurshid coin with the date of PYE 115 (149 AH). This is after the death of Khurshid, the last of the Dabuyid Ispahbads. It is number 52, in Malek's book.
In PYE 115, the 'Abbasid governor was most likely Khalid b. Barmak, who most likely stopped the Posthumous Khurshid coins. Since Khalid b. Barmak stopped the issue of this coin, it might have been issued by the privious governor Rawh b. Hatim.
In PYE 134, it is not certain who was the 'Abbasid governor. The governor could have been Muqatil or Jarir, or neither of them.
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Howard,
You are awesome! Thank you very much! Would you know where to find the date on the coins? Furthermore, did they put mintmarks on the coins like everyone else? If so, are they on the reverse? Anyway I will see if I can round up Malek's book.
Thank you again!
Josh
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On the reverse are the date and mint name. The mint name, Tabaristan, is to the right of the fire altar, behind the right attandant. The date is on the left side.
Malek's book is fairly expensive. I paid $100 for my copy. So unless you really want to collect this series, I don't recommend buying this book. If you want to collect Tabaristan coins, then you really need this book.
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Hi Howard,
Thank you again! I do like the coins so I will think about the book. Maybe I will get lucky.
Josh