Arab Byzantine Fals Hims Standing Emperor Type Authentic Early Islamic Coin

Authentic Early Islamic Coin – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Details:
Authority: Arab-Byzantine, Umayyad Period
Denomination: Fals (Æ Bronze)
Mint: Hims (Emesa)
Date: Circa 680–700 AD
Reference: Ilisch Type 2.2; Walker Arab-Byzantine 29 (variant without “tayyib”)
Diameter: 21 mm
Weight: 3.92 g

Overview:
Early Arab-Byzantine bronze fals struck at Hims (Emesa) during the transitional period between Byzantine and fully Islamic coinage. The obverse depicts the standing imperial figure facing, holding a long cross and globus cruciger, with a star above the globus — preserving late Byzantine iconography under early Umayyad administration.

The reverse features a large M (40 nummi denomination), with a Christogram above flanked by crescent and star, and mint letters across the fields. This example is a variant without the word “tayyib” in the exergue, distinguishing it from the more commonly cited Walker 29 specimens that include that inscription.

Arab-Byzantine issues represent one of the earliest phases of Islamic coinage, retaining Christian imperial imagery while gradually incorporating Arabic elements before the sweeping reforms of `Abd al-Malik.

Authenticity Check:
Natural green patina consistent with early Islamic bronze. Correct flan fabric for Hims issues. Visible double strike typical of hand-struck 7th century bronze coinage. No modern tooling observed.

Comparable Examples:
See Ilisch Type 2.2 and Walker, Arab-Byzantine 29 (cf., variant without exergual “tayyib”). Comparable specimens appear in major institutional Arab-Byzantine collections.

Further Reading:
John Walker, Arab-Byzantine Coins
Stefan Ilisch, Arab-Byzantine Coinage
Stephen Album, Checklist of Islamic Coins

Condition:
Near Very Fine. Double strike visible with clear standing emperor and large M reverse. Attractive green patina with honest circulation wear.