Abbasid Caliphate, Al-Mu’tamid, Makka (Mecca), AH 26x — Unique & of Highest Rarity in Islamic Coinage

Arabic Title: الخلافة العباسية، في عهد الخليفة المعتمد، درهم فضة، ضُرِبَ بمكّة خلال ستينات القرن الثالث الهجري26

In the center : “lā ilāha illā Allāh waḥdahū lā sharīka lahū Muḥammad ibn Saʿd(?)”

«لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له محمد بن سعد(?)»

(“There is no deity but Allah, the One, there is no partner to Him. Muhammad son of Saʿd(?)”)

Inner margin: “bism Allāh ḍuriba hādhā al-dirham bi Makka sana … wa sittīn wa miʾatayn”

«بسم الله ضرب هذا الدرهم بمكة سنة … وستين ومئتين»

(“In the name of Allah. This dirham was struck in Makka in the year 26x”).

Outer margin: Traces of “li-llāh al-amr min qabl wa min baʿd wa yawmaʾidhin yafraḥu al-muʾminūn bi naṣr Allāh”

«للّه الأمر من قبل ومن بعد ويومئذٍ يفرح المؤمنون بنصر الله»

(“To Allah belongs the command before and after, and on that day the believers will rejoice with the help of Allah”; Qur’ān 30:4–5).

Central inscription :“li-llāh / Muḥammad / rasūl / Allāh / al-Muʿtamid ʿalā Allāh”

«لله / محمد / رسول / الله / المعتمد على الله»

(“To Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. al-Muʿtamid ʿala Allah”).

Margin: Traces of “Muḥammad rasūl Allāh arsalahū bi al-hudā wa dīn al-ḥaqq liyuẓhirahū ʿalā al-dīn kullih wa law kariha al-mushrikūn”

«محمد رسول الله أرسله بالهدى ودين الحق ليظهره على الدين كله ولو كره المشركون»

(“Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. He sent him with guidance and the religion of truth, so that He may make it overcome all religions, even though the unbelievers may dislike it”)

Ref: Unique and unrecorded; Leu Numismatik Web Auction 29, lot 2954 (this coin)

Rarity/Choice: Unique & of Highest Rarity in Islamic Coinage, slightly bent with area of weakness otherwise VF with clear mint name

Note: A Unique Abbasid Dirham from the Sacred City of Makka, A Historical Witness in Silver

This extraordinary silver dirham, struck in the holy city of Makka during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph al-Muʿtamid ʿalā Allāh, AH 256 to 279, AD 870 to 892, is not merely a coin, it is a unique historical document. It is one of the rarest survivors of Islamic numismatics, and its rarity is rooted in the very nature of Makka itself.

Makka was not a typical minting center. It was and remains the heart of Islamic spirituality. In the ninth century, the city’s sacred status meant that silver dirhams were struck only under exceptional circumstances, usually requiring direct approval from the caliph, and often tied to political necessity, pilgrimage administration, or extraordinary fiscal demand. Unlike copper coins, which could be issued locally, silver dirhams were an official declaration of caliphal legitimacy.

The very fact that this dirham was struck in Makka confirms that the Abbasid Caliphate maintained control and authority over the holy city, despite the widespread fragmentation of the empire during the late third century AH.

A Moment of Political Turbulence Yet Makka Remained Loyal

The decade of the 260s AH was one of profound instability across the Abbasid world. The caliphate was weakened by the rise of autonomous dynasties such as the Tulunids and Saffarids, the increasing influence of military commanders and regional governors, and frequent internal power struggles and civil unrest.

Yet, despite this fragmentation, this coin stands as a clear witness to Makka’s unwavering loyalty. The fact that the name of the Abbasid caliph al-Muʿtamid ʿalā Allāh is explicitly inscribed on the coin leaves no doubt that the holy city remained firmly within the Abbasid political and religious framework. In a period when many regions drifted toward independent rule and omitted the caliphal name from their coinage, Makka continued to strike coins bearing the caliph’s name, a powerful historical testimony that its allegiance to the central Abbasid authority was steadfast and uncompromising.

The Enigma of Muhammad ibn Saʿd, A Lost Historical Figure

One of the most fascinating aspects of this coin is the presence of the name Muhammad ibn Saʿd, whose identity remains uncertain.

In Abbasid practice, the presence of a personal name on a silver dirham was never casual. Such inscriptions were reserved for individuals who held real administrative or military authority and were officially appointed by the caliph. This suggests that Muhammad ibn Saʿd was likely a governor or deputy in Makka, a high-ranking official responsible for pilgrimage logistics, a special emissary of the caliph, or a military commander tasked with maintaining security.

However, no historical records currently confirm his identity, which makes this coin even more unique. It is the only surviving witness to a person otherwise lost to history.

This is not merely a coin, it is a mystery preserved in silver.

Makka’s Rare Coinage, A Symbol of Faith and Power

Makka coins are among the rarest in Islamic numismatics because the city was primarily a religious sanctuary, not a commercial capital. The production of silver dirhams in Makka was an extraordinary event, and this coin is an exceptional example of such a moment.

Every Makka dirham is a historical snapshot, capturing the city at a moment when the Kaaba was being maintained and expanded, pilgrimage logistics were being organized and improved, the city’s religious institutions were strengthened, and the Abbasid caliphate sought to reaffirm its authority through sacred symbolism.

In this sense, the coin is not only a monetary object but a spiritual relic, connecting modern collectors to the sacred heritage of Makka.

Why This Coin Is Unique and Why It Matters Today

This coin is not only rare, it is unique. No other known example bears the same combination of inscriptions and historical context.

Owning it means owning a direct artifact from the sacred city of Makka, proof of Abbasid sovereignty during a turbulent era, a preserved name of an otherwise unknown official, and a rare intersection of faith, power, and history.

Today, Makka is once again experiencing a major transformation, as Saudi Arabia undertakes the largest expansion and modernization of the holy city in modern history. This coin is a perfect mirror to that continuity, a reminder that Makka has always been the center of Islamic identity, even in times of political turmoil.

Provenance and Exclusivity, A Coin of True Heritage

This coin was originally sold at Leu Numismatik Web Auction 29, Lot 2954, and later acquired in 2024 from a private collector at a significant premium.

We acquired this unique Dirham to offer it exclusively for sale on our website, Coins Legacy, after conducting rigorous historical and numismatic research

This is not a mere listing, it is an invitation to own a unique piece of Islamic history, preserved with authenticity and scholarly care.

To hold this dirham is to hold a piece of Makka’s sacred legacy. It is a silent witness to history, struck in the city that remains the spiritual heart of Islam. The coin is not only rare, it is a living memory, a prayer, a command, and a story frozen in silver.

For the collector who seeks meaning beyond rarity, this coin is more than an object. It is a trust, a stewardship of heritage, and a unique chance to connect with the holy past of Makka.