Rashidun Pseudo Byzantine Fals Type E Authentic Early Islamic Coin

Authentic Early Islamic Coin – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Details:
Authority: Time of the Rashidun Caliphate
Type: Pseudo-Byzantine Type E
Denomination: Fals (Æ Bronze)
Mint: Uncertain Syrian mint
Date: Circa AH 37–55 / AD 658–675 (struck c. 658–664)
Reference: SICA I 520–521; cf. DOCAB 12; Album 3504
Diameter: 23 mm
Weight: 3.01 g
Die Axis: 11 h

Overview:
Early Islamic bronze fals of the Pseudo-Byzantine Type E series, struck during the transitional period following the Arab conquest. The obverse depicts an imperial Byzantine figure (after Constans II) standing facing, holding a cross-tipped staff and globus cruciger, with portions of the Greek legend visible. The reverse features a large M denomination with cross above and field letters, preserving Byzantine monetary structure under early Islamic authority.

These issues reflect the continuation of Byzantine bronze types during the earliest phase of Islamic administration before the comprehensive monetary reforms of the late 7th century. Type E examples are an important part of the Arab-Byzantine transitional series.

Authenticity Check:
Natural brown patina consistent with 7th-century bronze. Proper fabric and strike characteristics of early Arab-Byzantine coinage. No signs of casting or modern tooling.

Comparable Examples:
SICA I 520–521; cf. DOCAB 12; Album 3504.

Further Reading:
SICA – Studies in Islamic Coinage and Archaeology
DOC Arab-Byzantine volumes
Stephen Album, Checklist of Islamic Coins

Condition:
Very Fine. Slightly rough brown patina with clear imperial figure and bold large M reverse. Honest circulation wear consistent with the period.