Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 409 8 Nov 2017
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ISLAMIC, Anatolia & al-Jazira (Post-Seljuk). Zangids (Syria). Nur al-Din Mahmud. AH 541-569 / AD 1146-1173. Æ Fals (25mm, 5.68 g, 12h). Dimashq (Damascus) mint. Dated AH [55]8 (AD 1162/3). Central Kufic legend: al-Malik al-'âdil (The just king); above and below, central fleur-de-lis flanked by stars; marginal Kufic legend: al-izz al-da'im wa al-'amr al-salim [wa al-nasr al-khalid] (Perpetual glory and healthy life [and everlasting salvation]) / Central Kufic legend: Mahmûd ibn Zengî; above and below, central fleur-de-lis flanked by stars; marginal Kufic legend: [duriba] hadha al-fuls bi-Dimashq sanat theman [wa khamsin wa khams mi'at] (This fals was [struck in] Damascus in the year eight [and fifty and five-hundred]). S&S 74.1; Whelan class III; SICA 6, -; Hennequin 586 (same rev. die); Album 1851; ICV 1266. VF, earthen dark brown patina. Rare with date visible.
From the BRN Collection.
A significant facet of this coin type is that Nur al-Din cites only his ism (Mahmûd) and nasab (ibn Zengî) in the legend, dropping his laqab (Nur al-Din). The identified dates for the type are AH 558, 561, and 564, all late in his reign. As such, these coins concur with literary evidence that he dropped his laqab in favor of using his ism in public, which was a reflection of his personal character that is often cited as pious, reserved, just, humble, and austere. These characteristics contributed to his great respect among his people, as well as his capable leadership at home and in fighting against the Crusaders.
From the BRN Collection.
A significant facet of this coin type is that Nur al-Din cites only his ism (Mahmûd) and nasab (ibn Zengî) in the legend, dropping his laqab (Nur al-Din). The identified dates for the type are AH 558, 561, and 564, all late in his reign. As such, these coins concur with literary evidence that he dropped his laqab in favor of using his ism in public, which was a reflection of his personal character that is often cited as pious, reserved, just, humble, and austere. These characteristics contributed to his great respect among his people, as well as his capable leadership at home and in fighting against the Crusaders.