Exceptional Rarity

CNG 109, Lot: 796. Estimate $750. Sold for $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ISLAMIC, Anatolia & al-Jazira (Post-Seljuk). Artuqids (Mardin). al-Salih Salih I. AH 712-765 / AD 1312-1364. Æ Double Fals (27mm, 5.94 g, 10h). [Mardin mint]. Dated AH 73[6(?)] (AD 1179/80). Pair of lions, back-to-back, with heads facing; above, radiant sun flanked by ornaments; [mint formula] and partial AH date in outer margin / Invocation citing al-Salih Salih I in three line; names of Rashidun around. Whelan –; S&S Type 53.1; Album 1840; ICV 1229. VF for type, brown patina. Well centered strike. Very rare and exceptional in this condition.

Ex Album 17 (19 September 2013), lot 593 (hammer $2100); Künker 216 (8 October 2012), lot 1630.

The cataloger of the coin for the Album sale described this coin as “[o]ne of the loveliest late Mardin copper coins, and a wonderful specimen,” a sentiment with which the current cataloger concurs.