Coin

Art Historical Context

This unassuming copper coin, dating from the 5th to 14th century, offers a tangible glimpse into the vast Islamic world, spanning from the early caliphates to the height of medieval empires. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1939 and housed in the Metropolitan Museum of's Islamic Art Department, exemplifies the numismatic artistry that fueled trade, governance, and daily life across regions from Spain to Central Asia. Coins like this were not mere currency but symbols of political authority, often inscribed with rulers' names, religious phrases, or geometric motifs in elegant Arabic script. ...