. Artuqids of Mardin Husam al-Din Yuluq Arslan. Dirham Roman-Style Portraits (No reserve price)

Islamic Medieval Coinage – Artuqids of Mardin – Husam al-Din Yuluq Arslan (AH 580–597 / AD 1184–1200) – Bronze Dirham – Roman-Style Portraits

Dynasty: Artuqids of Mardin
Region: Anatolia and al-Jazira
Ruler: Husam al-Din Yuluq Arslan (AH 580–597 / AD 1184–1200)
Denomination: Dirham
Metal: Bronze
Date: After AH 585 / AD 1189–1190
Weight: 14.53 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Die Axis: 7 h
Reference: Spengler & Sayles 34

Obverse: Two facing busts inspired by Roman and Byzantine imperial portraiture. A draped and crowned bust on the left faces a diademed Roman-style head on the right. Above, the Kufic inscription reads “Husam al-Din, Malik Diyarbakr.”

Reverse: Arabic inscriptions in Kufic script arranged within a circular border. The central inscription includes the titles “al-Malik al-Nasir / Salah al-Din / Muhiyy al-Dawla / Amir al-Mu’minin”, while the surrounding inscription refers to Yusuf ibn Ayyub, better known as Saladin.

Historical Context

The Artuqids were a medieval dynasty of Turkic origin that ruled parts of southeastern Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia during the eleventh to fifteenth centuries. Descended from the military commander Artuq ibn Eksük, the dynasty established several branches, including those of Mardin, Hisn Kayfa and Harput.

Husam al-Din Yuluq Arslan ruled the Mardin branch of the Artuqid dynasty from 1184 to 1200, during a period marked by complex political relationships between the Artuqids, the Ayyubids and other regional powers.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Artuqid coinage is its distinctive figural imagery. Unlike many other contemporary Islamic coinages, Artuqid bronze coins frequently incorporated representations inspired by ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Sasanian traditions.

This particular type features two opposing portraits inspired by classical imperial representations, demonstrating the remarkable artistic and cultural influences present in medieval Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia.

The reverse inscriptions refer to Saladin (Salah al-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub), the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty, whose political and military influence extended across Egypt, Syria and parts of Mesopotamia during the late twelfth century.

These coins are important historical witnesses to the interaction between Turkic dynasties, Islamic political authority and the artistic traditions inherited from the ancient world.

Provenance

From a European collection, formed before 2005.

Ex Leu Numismatik, Web Auction 30, 15 July 2024, Lot 3561.

The photographs shown originate from the original auction listing. Over time, the coin has developed some additional green deposits on its surface.

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