Coin
Unknown Artist
probably 8th–9th century
Medium
Copper
Classification
Coins
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1939
Accession Number
39.40.127.211
Art Historical Context
Welcome to the Islamic Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where this unassuming copper coin from the8th–9th century transports us to the heart of the early Islamic world. Crafted from copper—a practical medium for everyday transactions in smaller denominations like the fals—this coin reflects the ingenuity of Islamic numismatics during a time of expansive caliphates. Struck with precision, these pieces often featured intricate Arabic inscriptions, blending functionality with artistry to convey authority, faith, and economic stability across vast trade networks from the Mediterra...