The Umayyad AE Fals coin, with a weight of 3.96 grams, was struck during the Umayyad Caliphate. This coin, minted at al-Madina Ma’din Amir al Mu’minin, represents an important piece of Islamic numismatic history. Although it is undated (ND), the mint name is clearly visible and significant to collectors and historians. The coin has a clear mint name, though some minor weaknesses appear near the rim, a characteristic typical of early Islamic coins. The fals was a common small denomination used for everyday transactions in the Umayyad period, and it provides insight into the monetary system of this influential caliphate.
Issuer and Historical Context
This AE Fals coin was issued under the Umayyad Caliphate, which ruled from 661 to 750 AD. The Umayyad Caliphate, with its vast territories spanning from the Arabian Peninsula to parts of North Africa and Central Asia, played a critical role in shaping the early Islamic world. During the reign of Caliph Hisham (who ruled from 724 to 743), the Umayyads expanded their influence across regions, including Syria, where al-Madina Ma’din Amir al Mu’minin was an important mint for the production of coins.
Coin Specifications
- Issuer: Umayyad Caliphate
- Coin Type: AE Fals
- Mint: al-Madina Ma’din Amir al Mu’minin (now assigned to al-Rusafa, Syria)
- Material: Copper
- Weight: 3.96 grams
- Diameter: Approx. 20-24 mm
- Shape: Round
- Technique: Hammered
- Condition: Very Fine (VF)
- Rarity: Rare
- Reference: A-A183
Mint and Its Significance
The mint name on this coin has been historically tied to al-Rusafa, an ancient city known as Sergiopolis during classical times. The mint’s location, south of al-Raqqa in Syria, is significant due to its strategic importance during the Umayyad period. An important Umayyad palace was constructed at al-Rusafa during or shortly before the time of Caliph Hisham, and it became a vital center for the administration and coin production of the caliphate. Coins bearing this mint name provide evidence of the extensive political and cultural developments in the region.
Obverse and Reverse Design
While the specific designs of this coin’s obverse and reverse are not described in the provided content, Umayyad coins typically featured Arabic inscriptions with religious and political references, such as the mention of “Amir al-Mu’minin” (Commander of the Faithful). These inscriptions emphasized the authority of the caliph and the Islamic faith, and sometimes also depicted geometrical patterns or symbolic representations as per Islamic numismatic tradition, avoiding depictions of human figures.
Significance of the Fals in Umayyad Economy
The fals was a small copper coin used widely in the Umayyad economy for everyday transactions. The AE Fals was particularly useful for the common people, as its value was 1/60th of a dinar. It was frequently used for small-scale purchases and trade, helping facilitate economic activity throughout the empire. The al-Madina Ma’din Amir al Mu’minin mint’s output of fals coins was essential in maintaining the currency system of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Rarity and Collectability
This AE Fals coin, in Very Fine (VF) condition, is considered rare and highly sought after by collectors of Islamic coins. The clear mint name, al-Madina Ma’din Amir al Mu’minin, and its historical context add to its value in the numismatic market. As coins from the Umayyad era are scarce, this piece serves as an important representation of early Islamic currency and is especially valuable for collectors interested in Syrian or Umayyad numismatics.
