Introduction to the Coin

The Abbasid Dirham of al-Hadi, issued in 169 AH (785 AD), is a significant numismatic artifact from the Abbasid Caliphate. This silver Dirham was minted in Madinat al-Salam, the city that would later become the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate and is now known as Baghdad. This coin exemplifies the artistic and political stature of the Abbasid dynasty during the reign of al-Hadi, the fifth caliph of the Abbasid dynasty.

Issuer and Historical Context

Al-Hadi was the Abbasid caliph who ruled from 785 to 786 AD. His reign was short but significant, as it was marked by political and military challenges, as well as internal dissent. Al-Hadi’s rule followed the reign of his father, al-Rashid, who is regarded as one of the most important Abbasid caliphs. Al-Hadi’s time on the throne was a transitional phase for the Abbasid Empire, which was beginning to experience political instability and factional struggles within the ruling family.

Coin Specifications

• Issuer: Abbasid Caliphate, al-Hadi
• Coin Type: Silver Dirham
• Mint: Madinat al-Salam (modern-day Baghdad)
• Year: 169 AH / 785 AD
• Material: Silver
• Weight: 2.9 grams (approx.)
• Diameter: 23mm (approx.)
• Denomination: Dirham
• Condition: Fine (F)
• Minting Technique: Hammered

This Dirham was struck in silver, weighing approximately 2.9 grams and with a diameter of 23mm. The hammered technique was used to mint this coin, a common practice during the early Abbasid period. It was part of the regular currency used for trade, taxes, and everyday transactions within the Abbasid Empire.

Design and Inscriptions

The obverse of this Abbasid Dirham typically features the name of the Caliph, al-Hadi, along with an inscription declaring his authority. On the reverse, the coin usually bears a religious inscription, often the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith), affirming the Islamic legitimacy of the Abbasid rule. The inscriptions are in Arabic and serve as a reminder of the Islamic identity and the caliph’s sovereignty over the Muslim world during this era.

Madinat al-Salam and its Significance

Madinat al-Salam, also known as Baghdad, was the capital city of the Abbasid Caliphate and a key political, cultural, and intellectual center in the Islamic world. The city was founded by al-Mansur, the second Abbasid caliph, and became a focal point of the Islamic Golden Age. Minting coins in Madinat al-Salam, the capital, was an expression of the centralized authority of the Abbasid rulers and an important method of asserting control over the vast empire.

Historical and Numismatic Importance

The al-Hadi Dirham is not just a currency but a historical artifact that offers insight into the political and economic conditions of the Abbasid Empire during the late 8th century. The short reign of al-Hadi and the political turmoil that marked his time as caliph are reflected in the coinage of this period. For numismatists, this Dirham is valuable due to its historical context, its minting location, and the relatively limited number of coins from al-Hadi’s reign that have survived.

Rarity and Collectability

This Abbasid Dirham is a sought-after piece for collectors due to its connection to the early years of the Abbasid Caliphate and the historical significance of Madinat al-Salam. While not extremely rare, it remains a prized item for those interested in Abbasid numismatics, particularly collectors who specialize in coins from early Islamic history.