ISLAMIC, Anatolia & al-Jazira (Post-Seljuk). Zangids (Syria). Nur al-Din Mahmud, AH 541-569 / AD 1146-1173. Fals (Bronze, 24 mm, 6.40 g, 11 h), a contemporary imitation. Nimbate Christ standing facing; around, blundered legend. Rev. Two imperial figures standing facing, between them labarum on three steps; around, blundered legend. Cf. Album 1850 and Spengler & Sayles, Type 73 (for prototype). CNG E-Auction 198 (2008). Dark patina. Struck from somewhat worn dies, otherwise, very fine.

The crude style indicates that this coin is a contemporary imitation of a fals of Nur al-Din Mahmud. It was either struck by Crusaders forces, or possibly by the Inalids, a Turkish dynasty which ruled over a small principality in Anatolia from 1095 until 1183, when Saladin captured their capital Amid