ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. Yazid I ibn Mu'awiya, AH 60-64 / AD 680-683. Drachm (Silver, 32 mm, 3.00 g, 3 h), a contemporary imitation of an Arab-Sasanian type from Marw, citing governor Abd Allah ibn Khazim (circa AH 62-72 = AD 682-692), uncertain mint, after AH 62 = AD 681/2. Crowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, APDULA / Y HZMAN ('Abd Allah ibn Khazim' in Pahlawi); in outer margin, 'bism Allah' ('In the name of Allah') and a Hunnic countermark with an uncertain legend in Bactrian. Rev. Sasanian fire altar set on three steps, flanked by two attending priests standing facing; to left, date; to right, MLW (name of the mint in Pahlawi). Cf. Album 19 (for prototype). Minor deposits, otherwise, good very fine.


This interesting issue was probably struck in the AH 60's = AD 680s by the Huns during their war against an Arab army lead by Abd Allah ibn Khazim.