ARAB-SASANIAN, BISHR B. MARWAN (fl. 71-75h)
Drachm, AKWLA (al-Kufa) 74h
OBVERSE: In second and third marginal quadrants: bism Allah Muhammad / rasul Allah
REVERSE: Standing figure of caliph orans, flanked by attendants. Date written in Pahlawi numerals. Additional Pahlawi inscription
in first marginal quadrant, possibly Y YWSFAN (‘Ibn Yusuf’)
WEIGHT: 3.73g
CONDITION: Very fine or better with light grey toning, apparently an unpublished variety
ESTIMATE: £6,000-8,000
NOTE: The types and legends on this variety are generally similar to published examples of this type (cf Treadwell A5-A8),
but the additional Pahlawi word on the reverse margin does not appear to be recorded. If correctly read, this would
presumably refer to the governor al-Hajjaj b. Yusuf, appointed governor of Iraq in this year. The practice of acknowledging
a subordinate governor in the reverse margin is also found on certain coins of al-Hajjaj himself, also naming al-Bara`
b. Qabisa (see lot 7).
