Umayyad Caliphate, Post-Reform, AE Fals, Menorah type, Iliya (Jerusalem) mint, AH 77-132 / AD 697-750 – RRR

$750.00

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SKU: I6.1 Categories: ,

Description

Umayyad Caliphate, Post-Reform, AE Fals(bronze,3.23g,15mm),  Menorah type, Iliya (Jerusalem) mint, AH 77-132 / AD 697-750 – exceptionally attractive earthen patina and legend in both obverse and reverse
Arabic Title : إسلامي، الخلافة الأموية، مرحلة ما بعد الإصلاح، فلس برونزي، نوع المنورة، ضرب في إلياء (القدس)، ٧٧-١٣٢ هـ
Era/Ruler:  Umayyad Caliphate, Post-Reform Mint/Date : Iliya (Jerusalem), AH 77-132 / AD 697-750
Denom    : AE Fals Wt/Dia      : 3.25 g / 15 mm
Obv: Five-branched candelabra with horizontal bar on top; vertical stem with two leaves at mid-height; “There is no god but Allah alone” around
Rev:  “There is no god but Allah alone” in three lines inside square
Ref: Album 163 ; Walker, Arab-Byzantine 605 Rarity/Choice: Rare, EF
Note: This coin series starts with a depiction of a seven-branched candelabra, resembling the menorah, but later transitions to a design featuring only five branches. This change has sparked scholarly debate, with Barag suggesting a potential connection to the Five Pillars of Islam. Another intriguing interpretation noted by Album suggests that when inverted, the design resembles the dome of a mosque, possibly reflecting a deliberate choice by the engraver to incorporate Islamic symbolism. This evolution and potential reinterpretation of the traditional Jewish symbol add layers of complexity and intrigue to the coin’s design, highlighting the cultural and religious influences present in numismatic art.