Abbasid Caliphate, temp. Abbasid Al-Mahdi, AR Dirham, AH 164 = AD 780/1

ISLAMIC, temp. Abbasid Caliphate Al-Mahdi, AH 158-169 / AD 775-785. AR Dirham (Silver, 24 mm, 2.95 g), citing al-Mahdi as 'al-Khalifa al-Mahdi', Madinat al-Salam, date AH 164 = AD 780/1 - Iridescent toning

Arabic Title : إسلامي، الخلافة العباسية، المهدي، درهم فضة، ضرب في مدينة السلام، ١٦٤هـ

Era/Ruler: Abbasid Caliphate, time Al-Mahdi

Mint/Date: Madinat al-Salam (Baghdad), AH 164 = AD 780/1

Denom : AR Dirham

Wt/Dia : 2.87 g / 22 mm

Obv: Kalima in three lines across field; mint and date formula around

Rev: Continuation of kalima in addition to citing al-Mahdi as 'al-Khalifa al-Mahdi'

Ref: SICA III, 1636

Rarity: Common, EF

Note: This Dirham, struck in Madinat al-Salam during the reign of Al-Mahdi, provides a glimpse into the Abbasid Caliphate's economic and political landscape. Al-Mahdi's era was marked by significant cultural and scientific advancements, as well as political stability. Madinat al-Salam, as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, played a central role in shaping the empire's destiny. The inscription citing Al-Mahdi as 'al-Khalifa al-Mahdi' reflects the reverence and authority attributed to the caliph during this period. This coin serves as a tangible artifact of Abbasid history, reflecting the prosperity and grandeur of the Islamic civilization during the Abbasid era.