Arab-Bukharan silver drachm of Governor 'Ali, period of Harun al-Rashid
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Late 8th century, period of Harun al-Rashid
This Arab-Bukharan silver drachm represents a unique fusion of pre-Islamic Sasanian traditions and Islamic authority during the late 8th century. Attributed to the period of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid under the administration of Governor 'Ali b. 'Isa b.
Mahan, the coin exhibits a design derived from Sasanian prototypes, specifically the coinage of Varhran V. The obverse features a highly stylized, degraded Sasanian-style bust facing right, accompanied by Arabic inscriptions including the term 'Muhammadiya', designating the silver quality, and the phrase 'Mimma amara bihi 'Ali' beneath the bust, along with a Sogdian legend before the face. The reverse displays a traditional Sasanian fire-altar flanked by two attendants, also rendered in a simplified, abstract manner.
Weighing 2.These coins are noted for their historical significance as some of the final Islamic issues to maintain pre-Islamic stylistic motifs.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 2.10g
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- drachm
Design
- Obverse
- degraded Sasanian bust right, Sogdian legend before face, Arabic 'Muhammadiya' behind head, Arabic 'Mimma amara bihi 'Ali' beneath bust
- Reverse
- degraded fire-altar and attendants
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Governor 'Ali
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.