Abbasid Caliphate | Silver Dirham

History of the Artifact

The Abbasid Caliphate silver dirhams, minted between 750 and 1258, were an essential part of the Islamic golden age's monetary system and played a crucial role in global trade. These coins followed the Islamic tradition of featuring only inscriptions, avoiding images of rulers or figures. The obverse bore the Shahada, the name of Prophet Muhammad, and the mint location along with the date in the Hijri calendar. The reverse includes a Quranic verse, most often Surah Al-Ikhlas, and the name of the ruling Abbasid caliph. Some issues also carry the names of governors or mint officials.

These dirhams were struck in high-purity silver, averaging around 2.9 to 3.1 grams in weight, with slight variations depending on the region and economic conditions. They were minted in key cities across the Caliphate, including Baghdad, Samarkand, Damascus, Isfahan, and Cairo, among others. Their circulation extended far beyond the Islamic world, with Abbasid dirhams being widely used in trade along the Silk Road, reaching North Africa, Central Asia, and even Viking territories in Scandinavia and Russia, where large hoards have been discovered.

Over time, the design of Abbasid dirhams evolved. The early issues closely resembled those of the preceding Umayyads, featuring simple Kufic inscriptions. By the mid-Abbasid period, calligraphy became more elaborate, and later issues sometimes included references to powerful viziers or regional rulers. As the caliphate weakened in the later years, silver content declined in some regions, and local dynasties such as the Seljuks and Mongols influenced coinage production.

How do I know these are original Abbasid Caliphate Silver Dirhams?

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

What will my artifact look like?

The coin you will receive will be of very similar size and quality as the ones shown in the pictures. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.

Your order will include:

• One authentic Abbasid Caliphate Dirham
• Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.