Imperial Image coinage. Anonymous. AE Fals. Dimashq (Damascus) mint. Circa 680s

Islamic, Imperial Image coinage. Anonymous. AE Fals (bronze 4.75g, 21mm). Dimashq (Damascus) mint. Circa 680s

Arabic Title: نقود الصورة الإمبراطورية، مجهول، فلس نحاسي، ضرب دمشق، حوالي ثمانينات القرن السابع الميلادي

Obv: Seated imperial figure, holding long cruciform scepter and globus cruciger; to left, crescent above T; ΛЄO to right

Rev: Large M; monogram above; below, inverted crescent above star; duriba dimashq ja’iz (“struck in Damascus, legal”) to sides and in exergue

Ref: Album 3511.2

Rarity/Choice: VR, VF (exeptional for this rare fals)

Note: This issue reflects the transitional phase following the end of the Rashidun period and the consolidation of Umayyad authority. During this time, administration and monetary systems were still heavily influenced by Byzantine traditions, especially in regions like Damascus. This era represents the gradual shift toward a distinct Islamic identity, culminating in the major reforms of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan that standardized coinage and governance across the caliphate.