Watch List notes:

ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, AH 65-86 / AD 685-705. Drachm (Silver, 32 mm, 4.00 g, 7 h), Arab-Sasanian type, citing Umara ibn Tamim Allah (AH 84-85 = AD 703-704), SK (Sistan), AH 84 = AD 703. Crowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, WN'L / Y TMYM'N' (in Pahlawi); in outer margin, 'bism Allah' ('In the name of Allah') and 'Rabbi' ('my Lord') in Kufic. Rev. Fire altar with ribbons flanked by two attendants; in upper field to left, six-pointed star; in upper right field, crescent; to left, date in Pahlawi; to right, SK (name of the mint in Pahlawi). Album C40. Malek, Arab-Sasanian, 1067. SICA I, -. Very rare. Struck from worn dies, otherwise, extremely fine.


Umara ibn Tamim was sent to Sistan by the caliph to suppress the revolt of Abd al-Rahman ibn Muhammad (see lot 3369), who had rebelled against the famous general Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf (see lot 3367).