Coin
Unknown Artist
dated A.H. 367 or 369/ 977 or 979 CE
Medium
Silver
Classification
Coins
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1939
Accession Number
39.40.127.143
Art Historical Context
This exquisite silver coin, struck around 977 or 979 CE (A.H. 367 or 369), offers a tangible glimpse into the vibrant Islamic world of the late 10th century.ed during a time when dynasties like the Buyids and Samanids sway across Persia, Central Asia, and beyond, dirhams were essential for trade along the Silk Road and in bustling bazaars, bearing witness to the economic vitality of the era. Crafted in silver using the ancient technique of striking with engraved dies, the coin exemplifies the aniconic artistry of Islamic numismatics. Eschewing human or animal figures in favor of intricate Ara...