Coin

Art Historical Context

This 8th-century copper coin housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department, offers a tangible glimpse into the early Islamic world. Struck during a pivotal era of caliphal expansion—likely under the Umayyad early Abbasid dynasties—it exemplifies the practical artistry of numismatics, where everyday currency doubled as a medium for cultural expression. Acquired through the Fund in 1939, this unassuming artifact bridges economics and aesthetics in the formative centuries of Islam. Crafted from durable copper, the coin reflects the era's metallurgical expertise and the shift ...