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Mamluk (Bahri). Sha`ban II (al-Ashraf Nasir al-Din Sha`ban) (764-778 A.H. = 1363-1377 A.D.)
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Balog 464 Plate XVII 464a-b; SNAT Hamah 595-604; SICA v. VI 1319; Album 958
AE fals, Hamah mint, struck 773 A.H. = 1371/2 A.D.: 1.40 g., 18.28 mm. max., 180°
Obv.: Circular line in border of dots. In it, linear square. الملك (= al-Malik) / الاشرف (= al-Ashraf) in two rows in center; بحماة (= bi Hamah) in upper segment, ضرب (= duriba/struck) in lower segments.
Rev.: Border comprised of circular rigid cable to left between two linear circles. Lion passant to left, with tail curled back, knot in the middle of the tail.
Sha'ban II was a grandson of Muhammad I, being the son of one of Muhammad's sons who never held office. In 1363, the senior Mamluk emirs, led by Emir Yalbugha, deposed Sultan Muhammad II on charges of illicit behavior and installed ten-year-old Sha'ban as his figurehead replacement. In 1366 Sha'ban, who sought to wield power, supported a successful revolt against Yalbugha. One year later, Sha'ban, who still had few mamluks of his own but was supported by the common people, quelled a rebellion. Again in 1373, the commoners assisted Sha'ban in defeating a rebellion. Because of their loyalty and key support during these revolts, Sha'ban treated the commoners well throughout his reign, including efforts to provide food for the poor during a two-year famine in Egypt. In 1376, Sha'ban went on the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. In his absence emirs again rebelled against Sha'ban, which was followed by a rebellion of Sha'ban's own mamluk guard, who murdered him in 1377.
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