ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan, AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. Fals (Bronze, 20 mm, 4.28 g, 6 h), Arab-Byzantine type, Dimashq. Imperial figure standing facing, holding long cross in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left; in left field, falcon standing right on falcon perch; to right, Λ/Є/Ο. Rev. Large M flanked by A/N/O and X/-I/II; above, monogram; below, officina mark of inverted crescent with short line below; in exergue, ΔAM. DOCAB 48. Goodwin&Gyselen p. 51, 18. Minor corrosion on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.


Falconry played an important role within the Umayyad culture: it was a favorite pastime of the ruling elite and a symbol of high status.