An Abbasid gold dinar from the reign of Al-Mustazhir (AD 1094-1118) Madinat al-Salam (Baghdad), dated AH 493/ AD 1099-1100 with five lines of inscription in kufic surrounded by two bands of inscription in kufic to one side, and three lines of inscription inf kufic surrounded by a band of inscription in kufic to the other, extremely fine and very rare 25 mm. approx.; 2.14 g. Footnotes: See Stephen Album, Checklist of Islamic Coins, Santa Rosa, 2011, no B266. Inscriptions: a form of the shahadah, a version of Qur'an, sura IX (al-tawbah), part of verse 33 with the added, 'Muhammad, the Messenger of God' and one section undeciphered. As an Abbasid issue struck in the name of the caliph and his heir Abu Mansur, this coin is exceptional because, at the time, the caliph was obliged to recognise the Great Seljuk as overlord but the coin makes no mention of one. In AH 493 two rival Seljuk leaders, Barkiyaruq and Muhammad each claimed the throne and, perhaps hedging his bets, al-Mustazhir struck coins in both their names. The present piece however may reflect his political ambition for independence and has been struck with significant care and attention perhaps indicating that it was not struck for general circulation. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com