Abbasid Caliphate, temp. al-Mahdi, AR Dirham, al-Muhammadiya Mint, AH 161 = AD 777/8

Abbasid Caliphate, temp. al-Mahdi, AH 158-169 / AD 775-785, AR Dirham(silver,2.9g,24mm), al-Muhammadiya Mint, AH 161 = AD 777/8

Arabic Title : إسلامي، الخلافة العباسية، في عهد المهدي المؤقت، درهم فضة،ضرب في ميدنة المحمدية، هـ ١٦١

Era/Ruler: Abbasid Caliphate, time al-Mahdi

Mint/Date : al-Muhammadiya, AH 161 = AD 777/8

Denom : AR Dirham

Wt/Dia : 2.9 g/ 24 mm

Obv: First part of kalima in three lines; mint and date formula around

Rev: contiuation of kalima; citing Caliph al-Mahdi

Ref: Album 215.1

Rarity/Choice: Common, FDC (fully lustrous)

Note: Al-Mahdi, the third Abbasid caliph, ruled from 775 to 785 CE. His reign is noted for its stability and prosperity, marked by advancements in various fields such as science, literature, and administration. The al-Muhammadiya Mint, located in the Abbasid capital of Baghdad, was one of the prominent mints of the era. Its output of coinage contributed to the economic strength of the Abbasid Empire.

This coin serves as a tangible artifact reflecting the economic stability and cultural flourishing under al-Mahdi's rule, highlighting the importance of the Abbasid Caliphate in shaping Islamic civilization during the medieval period.