Description

Abbasid: Temp. Al-Rashid, (AH 170-193 / AD 786-809). Dirham (1.72g/ 22mm), citing the governor of Tabaristan, Hani (AH 172-174 = AD 788-790), Tabaristan, PYE 137 = AH 172 = AD 788. Crowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH (‘may his kingship increase’ in Pahlawi); before head, ‘Hani’ in Kufic; in outer margin, APD / NWKW (‘excellent’ and ‘good’ in Pahlawi). Rev. Sasanian fire altar set on three steps, flanked by two attendants standing facing; to left, date; to right, mint TPURSTAN (‘Tabaristan’ in Pahlawi). Album 69. SICA I, 437. Walker, Arab-Sassanian, 291. Extremely fine, nice toning. From The Zabel collection (Pat Zabel).