Umayyad Dirham (Minted in Balkh, 131 AH) – Reign of Marwan ibn Muhammad
<p>The Balkh mint struck Umayyad dirhams thirteen times, from 82 AH to 128 AH, which was the last year of Umayyad striking there. After that, dirhams of rebels against the state appeared in the city between 130 and 132 AH.</p><p>This one, dated 131 AH, carries the verse from Surat al-Shura: “Say, I ask of you no reward for it except love for my kinsfolk.” Balkh is an ancient city in upper Khurasan, and the region changed fast in those years.</p><p>Abbasid banners were raised in 129 AH, and Abu Muslim al-Khurasani entered Merv in 130 AH. Balkh is one of the 27 cities that struck coins under Marwan ibn Muhammad. At 2.9 grams and rated Very Rare, this dirham belongs to the short period when Balkh's name appeared on rebel silver.</p>
131 AH