Αρτουκίδες της Μαρντίν. Artuq Arslan. Æ Dirham AH 599 (AD 1202–1203) (χωρίς τιμή ασφαλείας)

Artuqids of Mardin – Æ Dirham of Nāṣir al-Dīn Artuq Arslan
ISLAMIC, Anatolia & al-Jazīra (Post-Seljuk)
Artuqids of Mardin
Ruler: Nasir al-Din Artuq Arslan (AH 597–637 / AD 1201–1239)
Denomination: Æ Dirham
Mint: Mardin
Date: AH 599 (AD 1202–1203)
Weight: 11.05 g
Diameter: 30 mm
References: Album 1830.1; Spengler & Sayles 37.3; Whelan Type I
Condition: Good Very Fine, attractive brown patina.

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Obverse
Depicts a diademed and draped half-length male bust facing slightly right, with long flowing hair. Two stars appear in the fields beside the portrait.
Around the figure is the name and titles of Nāṣir al-Dīn Artuq Arslan, ruler of Mardin.
The portrait style reflects the strong influence of Byzantine and late Classical iconography that is characteristic of many Artuqid issues.
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Reverse
The reverse features a six-pointed star enclosing the names and titles of the ruling authorities recognized by the Artuqids:
• The Abbasid caliph al-Nāṣir li-Dīn Allāh
• The Ayyubid overlord al-Ẓāhir Ghāzī, ruler of Aleppo and son of Saladin
The surrounding marginal inscription contains the mint formula and the date AH 599.
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Historical Background
This copper dirham was struck during the early reign of Nāṣir al-Dīn Artuq Arslan, one of the most prominent rulers of the Artuqid dynasty of Mardin. The Artuqids governed parts of southeastern Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia during a period marked by political fragmentation following the decline of Seljuk authority. Their coinage is particularly renowned for its diverse and often highly artistic figural designs, which draw upon Byzantine, Classical, and Islamic artistic traditions.
The coin reflects the complex political hierarchy of the early thirteenth century. Artuq Arslan acknowledged the suzerainty of the Ayyubids and cited both the Abbasid caliph al-Nasir and the Ayyubid ruler al-Zahir Ghazi in its inscriptions, demonstrating the interconnected political and religious authority structures of the medieval Islamic Near East.
This type is among the most distinctive and collectible issues of the Artuqid dynasty, combining striking figural imagery with detailed political inscriptions. It is an excellent example of the culturally diverse coinage produced in medieval Anatolia and al-Jazīra, where Islamic, Byzantine, and regional artistic traditions intersected.
Shipping to Italy (Italia) is not available due to prolonged customs processing times and excessive delivery delays.
Le spedizioni verso l'Italia non sono disponibili a causa dei lunghi tempi di sdoganamento e degli eccessivi ritardi nelle consegne.