An exceptional and historically silver dirham struck during the reign of al-Walid I (705–715 AD), a prominent ruler of the powerful Umayyad Caliphate. This coin is dated AH 91 (709–710 AD) and was minted at Suq al-Ahwaz, an important administrative and economic center located in the region of Khuzestan (modern-day Iran). Coins from this mint are highly regarded among collectors for their historical relevance and connection to early Islamic expansion into Persian territories.
This dirham belongs to the iconic reformed Islamic coinage system introduced by Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in the late 7th century. These reforms replaced earlier Byzantine and Sasanian-inspired designs with purely epigraphic coinage, featuring refined Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script. The absence of images reflects Islamic aniconism and emphasizes religious identity and political authority.
The obverse typically displays the Kalima (Islamic declaration of faith): “La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu” (There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner), surrounded by marginal inscriptions affirming the coin’s Islamic nature. The reverse usually includes a central Quranic inscription, often from Surah Al-Ikhlas or related phrases, along with the mint name and date formula in the margin. These inscriptions served both as a religious statement and as a guarantee of authenticity and state control over currency.
The reign of al-Walid I marked a period of significant territorial expansion and architectural achievement, including the construction of monumental structures such as the Great Mosque of Damascus. During this era, the Islamic empire stretched across vast regions, from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to Central Asia in the east. Coinage like this dirham played a crucial role in facilitating trade, taxation, and administrative cohesion across these diverse lands.
The Suq al-Ahwaz mint was particularly significant as it served a region formerly under Sasanian rule, symbolizing the transition from pre-Islamic to Islamic governance. Coins from this mint often show strong calligraphic style and are valued for their clarity and historical context.
Al-Hakam bin ‘Awana al-Kalbi, Umayyad Governor of Sindh under Caliph Hisham ibn ‘Abd al-Malik
Umayyad Caliphate, al-Walid I, AR Dirham, al-Taymarah, AH92, (710–711 AD)
Umayyad: Hisham, 724–743, AR Dirham AH113 al-Andalus (Spain)
