Introduction

The gold dinar issued by ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (685-705 CE), a prominent ruler of the Umayyad Caliphate, holds immense significance both historically and numismatically. Struck in AH 78 (697-698 CE), this gold dinar is one of the earliest examples of Islamic coinage following the reform introduced by Caliph Abd al-Malik, who standardized Islamic coins with religious inscriptions. With a weight of 4.23g, this coin stands as a testament to the early stages of Islamic coinage and is renowned for its exceptional condition for its age.

Historical Context:

‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan is one of the most important figures in early Islamic history. As the 5th Umayyad Caliph, he oversaw major political, military, and cultural reforms. His reign marked a significant transformation in the Islamic world, including the reform of the coinage system. Before his rule, Islamic coins often featured images of rulers or were modeled after Byzantine and Sassanian styles. In AH 77, Abd al-Malik introduced a reform that replaced these images with Islamic religious inscriptions, emphasizing the monotheistic message of Islam.

Coin Details:

• Ruler: ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan
• Type: Gold Dinar
• Date: AH 78 (697-698 CE)
• Weight: 4.23g
• Diameter: Standard size for Umayyad gold dinars
• Material: Gold
• Condition: Exceptional, with minimal wear for a coin of this era
• References: [Catalogue reference], [Other details]

The obverse features the Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith), “There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah,” in Arabic script. This inscription reflects the early Islamic emphasis on monotheism and the legitimacy of Muhammad’s prophethood. The reverse generally features a simple legend, often stating the mint and date, along with a symbolic representation of the authority of the Caliph.

Significance of the Reform:

This gold dinar is part of a larger reform initiated by Abd al-Malik, who sought to establish a clear Islamic identity for the Umayyad Caliphate. The removal of images and the introduction of religious inscriptions were a bold move to separate Islamic coinage from its Byzantine and Sassanian predecessors. This change is considered one of the most important moments in Islamic numismatics, marking the beginning of a purely Islamic coinage system.

Condition and Rarity:

The exceptional condition of this gold dinar is particularly remarkable, considering the age of the coin. Coins from the early Umayyad period are often found in poor condition due to the extensive circulation and wear they experienced. However, this particular piece has retained its detail and clarity, making it highly sought after by collectors and numismatists. The rarity of high-quality examples from AH 78 further elevates its value.

Market and Collectability:

This coin is highly valued among collectors of early Islamic coinage and Umayyad artifacts. It serves as a key historical object for understanding the formative years of Islamic coinage and the political legitimacy of the Umayyad dynasty. The gold dinar of Abd al-Malik continues to be a prized item in auctions, often fetching high prices due to its rarity and historical importance.