Abbasid Fals al Mahdi AH 164 al Kufa Rare Authentic Islamic Coin

Authentic Medieval Islamic Coin – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Details:
Dynasty: Abbasid Caliphate
Caliph: al-Mahdi (Muhammad ibn Amir al-Muʾminin)
Reign: AH 158–169 / AD 775–785
Denomination: Fals (Æ Bronze)
Mint: al-Kufa
Date: AH 164 (AD 780/781)
Reference: Album 306
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 1.88 g
Die Axis: 7 h

Overview:
Abbasid bronze fals struck at al-Kufa in AH 164 during the reign of Caliph al-Mahdi. The inscriptions cite the caliph as al-Mahdi Muhammad ibn Amir al-Muʾminin and include the word baraka in the legend, a feature characteristic of certain Abbasid provincial issues.

Al-Mahdi’s reign marked a period of administrative consolidation and economic stability within the Abbasid state. Dated Kufah bronzes of this early Abbasid period are less frequently encountered than later Abbasid copper issues, making clear dated examples desirable to collectors.

Authenticity Check:
Natural patina consistent with 8th-century bronze. Correct Abbasid epigraphic style and lightweight fabric. No evidence of casting or modern tooling.

Comparable Examples:
Album 306.

Further Reading:
Stephen Album, Checklist of Islamic Coins
Standard references on Abbasid copper coinage

Condition:
Very Fine. Clear inscriptions with visible date. Some deposits and light scratches consistent with circulation and age.