FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Numismatic and History Discussion Forums => Medieval, Islamic and Crusader Coins Discussion Forum => Topic started by: v-drome on March 18, 2023, 06:42:30 pm

Title: 2 Dirham Islamic Weight with Inscription from Caesarea Maritima
Post by: v-drome on March 18, 2023, 06:42:30 pm
Hi, all.  This is another inscribed 2 dirham weight.  The Arabic (Kufic?) script is well preserved but I think it may have been double strike, so it is hard to decipher, and looks very different depending on the direction of view.  One likely possibility is  عمرا ن  ‘IMRAN, a personal name found on many weights from this area whose meaning in this context is unknown.  I have included the two best photos I could get of the obverse showing the clearest views of the script, so if anyone has a different idea I would be grateful.  Thanks, again.  Jimi

BCC BW48
Islamic Bronze Weight
Caesarea Maritima  2 Dirham
7th-12th Century CE
Obv: Uncertain Arabic inscription stamped in relief in a circular
punch with multiple strikes.  A possible reading may be  عمرا ن  ‘IMRAN,
a personal name found on many weights of various standards and
denominations across this region.  Rev: Blank.  Roughly rectangular
brick-shaped slab, cut from a thick sheet of metal or cast in the form
of two truncated four-sided pyramids, set base to base.  File-adjustment
and/or finishing marks visible on the edges.
AE 11.25 x 9.25 x 7.25mm.  Wt: 5.82gm. 
see: Holland, W.W.O.C.M., ch.8; and Holland, "ANSMN 31 (1986)" #365ff.
Surface find Caesarea Maritima, 1970  (click for larger pic)

my weight gallery: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-5252
Title: Re: 2 Dirham Islamic Weight with Inscription from Caesarea Maritima
Post by: Serendipity on March 19, 2023, 06:11:23 pm
Weights are among the more common objects of pre-modern societies and were essential for measuring quantities of many commodities and for evaluating coins. I’m familiar with countermarks on coins. I’m speculating that the weights were countermarked with the stylised name of a reputable trader in the area to reduce the use of false weights by other traders. The Arabic or Kufic name would perhaps have been stylised like a modern-day signature to prevent forgery.
Title: Re: 2 Dirham Islamic Weight with Inscription from Caesarea Maritima
Post by: bakkar on May 14, 2023, 04:48:37 pm
Now it is clear from this corner. It is certainly a personal name من جعفر  "from Ja'far" .
H.Bakkar
Title: Re: 2 Dirham Islamic Weight with Inscription from Caesarea Maritima
Post by: v-drome on May 14, 2023, 05:33:13 pm
Thank you, Bakkar!  It always feels so great when a mystery is solved.