The Ayyubid Fals bronze coin is a notable example of currency from the Ayyubid dynasty, which ruled over parts of the Middle East during the 12th and 13th centuries. This particular coin, referenced as LUS27, is a 19mm diameter coin weighing 3.1 grams and provides valuable insight into the economic practices of the Ayyubid period. Coins such as this were essential in the daily transactions of the time, and their design reflects the cultural and political influences of the Ayyubids, who are famous for their military prowess and contributions to the Islamic Golden Age.
Issuer and Historical Context
The coin was minted during the reign of the Ayyubid dynasty, which was founded by Saladin in the late 12th century. The Ayyubid dynasty was pivotal in the Islamic world, especially during the Crusades, where Saladin played a key role in the military resistance against the Crusader states. The dynasty ruled over parts of modern-day Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and the Levant. This Fals was part of the Ayyubid economy, which relied heavily on copper-based currency for smaller transactions.
Coin Specifications
- Issuer: Ayyubid Dynasty
- Coin Type: Fals (Bronze)
- Minting Period: 12th-13th Century (Ayyubid period)
- Material: Bronze
- Weight: 3.1 grams
- Diameter: 19 mm
- Condition: Good to Fine
- Rarity: Moderate
- Reference: LUS27
This Fals coin is a bronze piece, and while smaller in size, it was commonly used for everyday transactions. Its weight and diameter reflect its practical use in the economy, catering to smaller payments in urban centers and markets.
Mint and Geographic Significance
The Ayyubid dynasty minted coins in several regions under its control, including Egypt, Syria, and the Levant. Although the exact minting location for this particular coin is not specified, it was likely struck in one of the key urban centers of the Ayyubid empire, such as Damascus or Cairo, where commerce and trade flourished. The use of coins like this Fals in these regions underscores the growing importance of trade, urbanization, and administration during the Ayyubid period.
Design and Inscriptions
The Ayyubid Fals coins typically featured Arabic inscriptions, emphasizing the Islamic identity of the coin and the legitimacy of the ruling dynasty. The obverse would likely feature inscriptions mentioning the caliphate or the name of the ruler, while the reverse might depict a combination of religious or political symbols. The Arabic inscriptions on these coins played a crucial role in spreading Islamic culture and reinforcing the authority of the Ayyubid rulers.
Material, Technique, and Demonetization
This Fals coin was struck from bronze, a common material for smaller denominations during the medieval period. The coins were minted using the hammered technique, which produced distinctive, irregular shapes and was the primary method for striking coins before the advent of more advanced minting technologies. Over time, coins like this Ayyubid Fals would have been demonetized as newer forms of currency were introduced, reflecting the changing economic landscape in the region.
Rarity and Collectability
The Ayyubid Fals is a coin of moderate rarity, with examples available for collectors of Islamic coins. Due to its historical significance, coins like this provide collectors with a tangible connection to the Ayyubid period, an era marked by both military and cultural achievements. The LUS27 reference makes this coin a recognized specimen for numismatists and collectors interested in the coins of the Ayyubid dynasty and the medieval Islamic world.
