Description: Arab-Sasanian, 'Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (65 - 86 AH / 685 - 705); ‘Abd al-Aziz ibn ‘Abdallah ibn ‘Amir, governor. AR Drachm, SK (Sistan) mint. Sasanian style bust imitating Khosrau II right; ∴ on breast; star and crescents ending in pellets; pellet to left of crown, triple pellets flanking lower star and crescent; “al-Aziz” in lower left outer margin, “bismillah” in lower right, four pellets below left star and crescent; “Splendor may he increase”• in Pahlavi in two lines to left, “Abd al-Aziz i Abdullah i Amyran in two lines to right; c/m: “jaiz” in Arabic in upper left outer margin / Fire altar with ribbons and attendants, crescent and star flanking flames; date to left, mint to right.

Diameter: AR32 mm

Weight: 3,42 g

Grade: VF/VF

Attribution: SICA 1, 366; Walker, Arab-Sasanian p. 96, Cam. 7; Album 25; c/m: Walker 42

Commentary: very rare; good detail, minor flan crack

History: During the reign of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan a special currency for the Muslim world was minted for the first time, which led to war with the Byzantine Empire under Justinian II.

Article Number: 028-02-04-41652