ISLAMIC, 'Abbasid Caliphate. al-Rashid, AH 170-193 / AD 786-809. Seal (Lead, 25 mm, 4.25 g, 12 h). Citing the caliph as Harun, ‘bism Allāh barika / min Allāh li-ʿabd / Allāh Hārūn amīr / al-muʾminīn ḥafiẓahū(?) / Allāh ibil Raʾs(?) / al-ʿAyn’ (‘In the name of Allah. A blessing from Allah for the servant of Allah Harun, Commander of the Believers. May Allah protect him. Camels from Raʾs al-ʿAyn’ in Arabic); to left, star; below, pellets. Rev. Rough incuse pattern. An exceptionally important seal. Small flan faults, otherwise, very fine.



This remarkable seal offers a reference to the widespread tradition of presenting camels as gifts to Abbasid caliphs. Valued highly in the Islamic world for transport, warfare, and as symbols of wealth and prestige, camels played a crucial role in both diplomacy and commerce. Camels from Raʾs al-ʿAyn were particularly esteemed for their strength and endurance, nurtured by the region's fertile pastures and abundant water sources.