AR Half Dirhem 1.97g. 23mm. Dated year 137 (AH 172/788 AD) Tabaristan Mint
Crowned facing bust imitating Khusru II, lozenge with Arabic word 'Bakh' replaces face; crescents in margin.
Fire altar with attendants, date and mint.
Malek 101; Album 65; MWI 280
Toned. Scarce Iconoclastic issue.
This unusual type was issued by a strict Muslim, who adhered to the Islamic law forbidding representations of living things. The face on the portrait is basically blank, similar to the way that Mohammed and other holy men are represented in Muslim art.
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