Abbasid Caliphate, temp. Al-Mansur, Al-Basra Mint, AR Dirham, AH 152 = AD 769/70

Abbasid Caliphate, temp. Al-Mansur, AH 158-169 / AD 775-785, Al-Basra Mint, AR Dirham (silver, 2.78g, 22mm), AH 162 = AD 778/9 - Iridescent toning

Arabic Title : إسلامية، الخلافة العباسية، المهدي، ضرب في البصرة، درهم فضة، ١٦٢ هـ

Era/Ruler: Abbasid Caliphate, time. Al-Mansur

Mint/Date : Basra, AH 152 = AD 769/70

Denom : AR Dirham

Wt/Dia : 2.91 g / 26 mm

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

Rev: Citing his son and heir al-Mahdi Muhammad; "From that ordered by al-Mahdi Muhammad, son of the Commander of the Believers’ in Arabic

Ref: SICA III, 1321

Rarity/Choice: Common / AU

Note: Al-Mansur, the second Abbasid caliph, reigned from 754 to 775 AD and is renowned for establishing the city of Baghdad as the capital of the Abbasid Caliphate. Under his leadership, the Abbasid Empire expanded its territories and solidified its authority, ushering in an era of cultural, scientific, and economic advancement.

This AR Dirham represents not only a medium of exchange but also a symbol of the Abbasid Caliphate's political stability and economic prosperity under the rule of Al-Mansur. Collectors value coins from this period for their historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship, offering a tangible connection to the vibrant civilization that thrived during the early Abbasid era.