A rare Islamic gold solidus from the time of Umayyad rule has captured attention at a London auction. Sold for a staggering £168,000 (about $214,738 U.S.), this coin is significant for its religious and historical importance. Not only is it an ancient treasure, but it also marks a major moment in Islamic history. Issued between AH 72 to 74 (A.D. 691 to 694), the coin bears the Shahada, the Islamic creed, and is one of only a few known to still exist.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | Rare Islamic Gold Solidus |
| Ruler | Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan |
| Auction Date | June 12, 2024 |
| Auction House | Morton & Eden, London |
| Sold Price | £168,000 ($214,738 U.S. including 20% buyer’s premium) |
| Estimated Price Range | £150,000 – £200,000 ($190,365 – $253,820 U.S.) |
| Historical Period | AH 72 to 74 (A.D. 691 to 694) |
| Material | Gold |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Weight | 4.27 grams |
| Religious Importance | First known issue of a gold coin bearing the Shahada (Islamic Creed) |
| Design (Obverse) | Byzantine emperor Heraclius flanked by his sons, each crowned and holding an orb |
| Design (Reverse) | Vertical shaft surmounted by a globe, Shahada inscribed in kufic script in the margin |
| Number of Known Coins | Only 4 similar coins have appeared in auctions over the last 42 years |
| Condition | Slightly clipped, faint traces of having been mounted, otherwise “Good Very Fine” condition |
What is the Gold Solidus?
The Islamic gold solidus is a special coin issued by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan. Measuring 20 millimeters in diameter and weighing 4.27 grams, it represents a transition in the design and purpose of coins during that time. The solidus features inscriptions that carry deep religious meaning, showcasing the early development of Islamic identity in coinage.
Historical and Religious Importance
This rare solidus is more than just a coin—it is a testament to the spread of Islamic beliefs. The inscription of the Shahada (“In the name of Allah, there is no God but Allah. He is unique. Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah”) marked the coin as one of the first to promote the tenets of Islam publicly. It also rejected the Christian belief in the Trinity, distinguishing itself as a symbol of the growing influence of Islam. The use of kufic script on the reverse of the coin adds to its cultural significance.
A Piece of History
The coin comes from a time when the Islamic empire was expanding, and coins like this one were used as tools to spread religious messages. It was issued after the caliph demonetized previous coins that had Christian symbols and replaced them with purely Islamic coinage. These coins were supposed to be destroyed, which explains why so few remain today. Over the last 42 years, only four coins of this type have appeared in auctions, making this particular solidus a rare and valuable find.
Design Details
The obverse of the solidus depicts the Byzantine emperor Heraclius, standing with his two sons, each holding orbs. On the reverse, there is a vertical shaft with a globe on top, set on four steps and flanked by letters. Around the coin is the Shahada, emphasizing its religious importance.
Conclusion
The rare Islamic gold solidus sold in a recent London auction is not just a valuable artifact but also a significant piece of history. Its importance stems from the religious messages it carried and the pivotal role it played in the early days of Islamic coinage. As one of only a few coins of its kind, its sale for £168,000 is a reminder of the rich and complex history that coinage can represent. Whether you are a collector or a history enthusiast, this gold solidus stands as a symbol of a fascinating time in history.
FAQs
1. What is a gold solidus?
The gold solidus was a type of coin used in the Byzantine and later Islamic empires. It was often made of pure gold and was used as currency during the Umayyad period, when the Islamic empire was expanding.
2. Who issued this particular rare Islamic gold solidus?
This rare Islamic gold solidus was issued by the Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik bin Marwan between AH 72 and 74 (A.D. 691 to 694).
3. Why is this gold solidus considered historically important?
This solidus is significant because it is one of the first known coins to bear the Shahada, the Islamic creed. It was part of an effort to spread Islamic teachings and distinguish Islamic coinage from earlier Christian coinage.
4. How much did the coin sell for at auction?
The rare Islamic gold solidus was sold for £168,000 ($214,738 U.S.), including a 20% buyer’s premium, at the Morton & Eden auction in London on June 12, 2024.
5. What makes this coin rare?
This coin is rare because it is part of a limited series of Islamic coins bearing the Shahada, and only four other similar coins have been sold at auction in the past 42 years.