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GHAZNAVID: Ibrahim, 1059-1099, gilt bronze medallion (70.42g), Ghazna, AH454, VF-XF

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Islamic Coins - Iran - The Early Period Start Price:18,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
GHAZNAVID: Ibrahim, 1059-1099, gilt bronze medallion (70.42g), Ghazna, AH454, VF-XF
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GHAZNAVID: Ibrahim, 1059-1099, gilt bronze medallion (70.42g), Ghazna, AH454, 68.5mm; the obverse bears religious legends and the name of the caliph al-Qa'im bi-amr Allah (AH422-467, 1031-1075), the reverse has the name and titles of the Ghaznavid king Ibrahim (AH451-492, 1059-1099) plus the mint and date, Ghazna AH454, plus the "denomination" dinar, as on the regular circulating gold coins; pierced 6 times around the rim for safe honorific attachment to clothing or other objects; VF-XF, RRRR.

A similar medallion of the previous ruler Abu Shuja' Farrukhzad (AH443-451) was sold in Christie's Islamic & Art Auction in October 2009, lot 15, for £30,900 (then about $49,400). That piece was of similar size, inscriptions (but for different ruler), and the same ornate calligraphic style. It was pierced only once for suspension or attachment. The art specialists suggested that "it is possible that this medallion was donated to loyal courtiers as a commemorative object." Obverse legends: in the center, "la ilah illa Allah muhammad rasul Allah al-qa'im bi-amr Allah amir al-mu'minin", and around, "bism Allah al-rahman al-rahim arsalahu bi'l-hudda wa din al-haqq li-yuzhirahu". Reverse legends: on the center, "al-amir al-sayyid al-'adil nasir khalifat Allah al-muzaffar ibrahim", and around, "bism Allah duriba hadha al-dinar bi-ghazna sanat arba' wa khamsin wa arba'mi'a".