Struck in Bukhara by future Caliph al-Mahdi as governor of the Caliphate's eastern regions. These drachms were styled after the coinage of the Bukhar Khudat Dynasty, which ruled Bukhara prior to the Arab conquest of Transoxiana.

Muhammad took the title al-Mahdi in 145 (763), and in the same year began issuing dirhams inscribed al-Mahdi until 155 (772) when he was recalled to Baghdad and official coinage ceased at his mints.

1 drachm

763-772

 Silver

22,01 gr  25 mm

Obverse

Crowned bust of ruler right, crescent with dot above crown.
In front of the face is a Sogdian legend - "King of Bukhara", behind the head is an Arabic inscription "al-Mahdi". Below bust are three dots. / al-Mahdī

Reverse

In the center of the coin is an altar with the head of Ahura Mazda to the right.
On both sides of the altar there are figures of mobeds (attendants).