Arab-Byzantine AE Fals Upright M Type 7th Century Genuine Early Islamic Coin

Authority: Early Umayyad Administration
Denomination: AE Fals
Mint: Uncertain Provincial Mint
Date: Circa AD 660–690
Reference: Cf. Album 351–354 (Arab-Byzantine series)
Size: (insert mm)
Weight: (insert grams)

Obverse: Facing imperial-style bust adapted from late Byzantine prototypes; traces of Arabic letters visible in the field. Transitional design reflecting early Islamic authority while retaining established monetary imagery.

Reverse: Large upright “M” (40 nummi denomination mark) beneath cross; crude linear rendering typical of early Arab-Byzantine copper coinage. No visible Byzantine mint signature, consistent with provincial transitional issues.

Description:
This coin belongs to the early Arab-Byzantine copper series struck during the first decades of Umayyad rule in the 7th century. Following the Islamic conquests, local mints continued producing familiar Byzantine-style copper coinage to maintain economic continuity. These transitional issues combine imperial portraiture with emerging Arabic inscriptions and represent an important stage before the fully epigraphic reforms of the late 7th century. Pieces of this type are highly collectible as some of the earliest Islamic-era bronze coinage.

Condition:
Very Fine for type. Clear upright M reverse with visible cross. Dark brown patina with natural surfaces. Minor strike softness typical of early hammered copper coinage. Authentic 7th century bronze, guaranteed genuine.