MKIC
Auction 5 13 Oct 2018
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UMAYYAD: Yazid Ibn 'Abd Al-Malik (720-724), AR Dirham (2.87g), Kirman, AH 103. "Ja'iz Bi-Al-Hijaz" (accepted [as tender] in Al-Hijaz) countermarked over the mint area. A-135 for type, unpublished countermark. Host dirham extremely fine, countermark extremely fine and slightly double struck. Unique, of the highest rarity.
The countermark is stamped over the mint, which is certainly a dirham of the Kirman mint based on die matching with known examples. The countermark is meant to mark this piece as accepted tender in the region of Al-Hijaz. Several experts were consulted regarding the nature of this piece and consequently no consensus has been made. The exact reason or motive behind the countermark itself is perplexing, and the need for such a countermark is confusing by itself. Due to the nature of this item, we are selling it without a guarantee of authenticity, as we have not been able to form a solid opinion on it. With that said, the countermark obverse and reverse do show signs of age and spotting compatible with the condition of the host dirham, and the Kufic script is very similar to the famous dinar of Al-Hijaz minted in AH 105. Both of these points hint at an authentic specimen. Could this piece be the predecessor of the AH 105 Al-Hijaz dinar? Such questions will, at least for now, remain unanswered and open to debate. A very interesting specimen indeed.
Estimate: 3000-5000
Note: This lot is sold AS IS. Make sure to examine the photo prior to purchase. Due to the nature of this item, authenticity is not guaranteed.
The countermark is stamped over the mint, which is certainly a dirham of the Kirman mint based on die matching with known examples. The countermark is meant to mark this piece as accepted tender in the region of Al-Hijaz. Several experts were consulted regarding the nature of this piece and consequently no consensus has been made. The exact reason or motive behind the countermark itself is perplexing, and the need for such a countermark is confusing by itself. Due to the nature of this item, we are selling it without a guarantee of authenticity, as we have not been able to form a solid opinion on it. With that said, the countermark obverse and reverse do show signs of age and spotting compatible with the condition of the host dirham, and the Kufic script is very similar to the famous dinar of Al-Hijaz minted in AH 105. Both of these points hint at an authentic specimen. Could this piece be the predecessor of the AH 105 Al-Hijaz dinar? Such questions will, at least for now, remain unanswered and open to debate. A very interesting specimen indeed.
Estimate: 3000-5000
Note: This lot is sold AS IS. Make sure to examine the photo prior to purchase. Due to the nature of this item, authenticity is not guaranteed.