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'Abbasid Caliphate. al-Muti'. AH 334-363 / AD 946-974. AR Dirham (20.5mm, 2.94 g, 3h). Donative type. Without mint name. Undated issue. Caliph on horseback riding left, right hand holding reins, left hand on the hilt of a sword which hangs at his side; to either side of his head: lillah al-fadl in Arabic / Horned bull (or zebu) kneeling to left, with hump on his back and decorated flanks; above: al-muti‘ lillah in Arabic. Ilisch B I 5 (citing a single specimen, not illustrated). Ex-mount, light scratches on reverse. Near VF. Excessively rare.
Ex Classical Numismtic Group Islamic Auction 2 (27 October 2022), lot 182; Morton & Eden 69 (10 April 2014), lot 82.
This remarkable type is ultimately derived from the bull-and-horseman drachms of the Hindu Shahi dynasty, struck circa AD 850-950. Al-Muqtadir issued similar donatives in both gold and in silver, including one variety which preserves two Brahmi characters above the bull on the reverse. It is not clear why the type should have been revived under al-Muti‘, who was under the 'protection' of the Buwayhids throughout his caliphate and whose influence was largely confined to religious matters.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 127 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 17-18 September 2024. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 18 September at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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