logo_moneymuseum

Abbasid Empire, Al-Mahdi, Dirham 163 AH

back

Abbasid Empire, Al-Mahdi, Dirham 163 AH (obverse) Abbasid Empire, Al-Mahdi, Dirham 163 AH (reverse)

During the second half of the 8th century, one dirham would buy a sheep or about 22 pounds of wheat. Such coins thus had a remarkable purchasing power and were not really usable for daily business on the market. For this reason the caliphs issued bronze coins; also half dirhams are known, although they are relatively rare.

back

Signet Sunflower Foundation