Arab-Sasanian drachm, temp. ‘Abd al-Malik b. Marwan, dated 75h
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
75h
This Arab-Sasanian silver drachm dates to the reign of the Umayyad Caliph ‘Abd al-Malik b. Marwan, specifically to the year 75h (Hijri). Representing a transitional period in Islamic coinage, the piece blends Sasanian and Byzantine iconographic influences.
The obverse depicts a bust of the Sasanian king Khusraw II facing right, accompanied by Arabic legends including the date in the field and a margin containing the Bismillah and the Shahada. The reverse features a standing figure of the Caliph, dressed in elaborate robes and holding a sheathed sword, flanked by inscriptions identifying him as 'Amir al-Mu'minin' (Commander of the Faithful) and 'Khalifat Allah' (Caliph of God).
This issue is notable for omitting the mint name, though it is associated with production in Damascus. It weighs 3.53g and exhibits a significant departure from earlier, purely Sasanian-style imitative coinage, marking the emergence of a distinct Islamic visual identity in the coinage of the Caliphate.
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
- 3.53g
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- drachm
Design
- Obverse
- Bust of Khusraw II right; 'duriba fi sanat' behind; 'khams wa saba‘in' before; margin inscription: bismillah – la ilaha illa Allah wa – hdahu Muhammad ra – sul Allah
- Reverse
- Standing figure of caliph facing, wearing elaborate robe, hand on sheathed sword; 'amir al-mu’minin' to left, 'khalifat Allah' to right
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.
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.