'Abbasid Caliphate. Al-Muqtadi. AH 467-487 / AD 1075-1094. AV Dinar (25.9mm, 4.31 g, 2h). Madinat al-Salam mint. Dated AH 486 (AD 1093/4). Near EF, traces of lustre in fields.

Islamic Auction 4 – Session 1
Lot: 90. Estimated: $ 4 000

‘Abbasid Caliphate, Gold

Sold For $ 4 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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'Abbasid Caliphate. Al-Muqtadi. AH 467-487 / AD 1075-1094. AV Dinar (25.9mm, 4.31 g, 2h). Madinat al-Salam mint. Dated AH 486 (AD 1093/4). Obverse field: la ilaha illa Allah / wahdahu la sharik lahu / al-Imam al-Muqtadi / bi-amr Allah Amir / al-Mu’minin / Reverse field: lillah / Muhammad / rasul Allah / salla Allah 'alayhi; to left (vertically, downwards): Abu’l-‘Abbas; to right (vertically, upwards): Dhakhr al-din. Jafar A.MS.486 (arrangement of legends incorrectly given in catalogue text; confirmed by plate); Album A266. Near EF, traces of lustre in fields. Very rare.

Malikshah, the Great Seljuq ruler, died in AH 485. On his death, the Seljuq succession was soon disputed between Barkiyaruq, who was declared Sultan in Rayy, and Mahmud, the young son of the powerful queen Turkhan Khatun. It appears that Turkhan Khatun, who was in Baghdad when Malikshah died, convinced al-Muqtadi to conceal Malikshah’s death temporarily until she and Mahmud could reach Isfahan, from where she hoped to launch a bid for power. Wishing to remain neutral until the outcome of this struggle became clear, al-Muqtadi struck gold dinars in AH 486, including the present coin, which named neither of the Seljuq rivals. For almost a year, while various Seljuq claimants fought for power, al-Muqtadi enjoyed almost complete autonomy in Baghdad, but this brief period of independence was itself to lead to his undoing. In AH 487 Barkiyaruq emerged victorious, and acted with ruthless speed and efficiency in eliminating any remaining opposition. Turkhan Khatun was assassinated, and the unfortunate al-Muqtadi died - suddenly, but perhaps not unexpectedly - the day after signing the deed of investiture which confirmed Barkiyaruq as Sultan.

The final winners of all CNG Islamic Auction 4 – Session 1 lots will be determined during the live sale that will be held on 19 October 2023.

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