Abbasid Dirham (Minted in Samarkand 260 AH) Reign of Al-Mu'tamid Alal-Allah
A stunning historical paradox: a dirham struck in "Samarkand" in 260 AH (the Abbasid era) yet retaining the Umayyad stylistic pattern! Dating to the reign of Caliph Al-Mu'tamid Alal-Allah, this dirham is likely a local issue reflecting the Transoxiana region's adherence to old traditions or perhaps a subtle act of rebellion. It is a numismatic piece that provokes questions, opening a wide door to the study of regional autonomy and the beginning of the loosening of the central Caliphate's grip.<!-- notionvc: 160c8f75-67b7-4474-9b5a-4ce3234033ab -->
260 AH