Seljuk of Rum: Silver Dirham, Kaykhusraw II 640 AH, Konya

Description

House of Emirates® is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this extraordinary Graded Seljuk of Rum Silver Dirham, an iconic and historically captivating coin issued under the legendary Seljuk ruler Kaykhusraw II.

GENI GRADED # IRP7H2W63Q

Struck in the prestigious mint of Konya in 640 AH (1242–1243 AD), this remarkable silver dirham represents one of the most visually striking and symbolically powerful coin designs of the medieval Islamic world. The coin famously features the enigmatic Lion and Sun motif, a design that has fascinated historians, collectors, and investors for centuries. The bold lion, standing proudly with the radiant sun emerging behind its head, is widely believed to symbolize royal power, celestial authority, and possibly even the astrological sign associated with the sultan himself.

During the height of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, Konya served as a thriving political, cultural, and artistic center, and coins such as this were both instruments of commerce and expressions of imperial identity.

The reverse of the coin displays elegant Arabic inscriptions, proclaiming the authority of the sultan and reinforcing the legitimacy of Seljuk rule during a turbulent period of medieval Anatolian history, just before the seismic political transformations that would follow the Mongol Invasion of Anatolia.

This exceptional piece is preserved with impressive detail considering its nearly eight centuries of existence. The artistry of the lion is bold and expressive, with carefully engraved features that remain visible even today, while the sun’s stylized rays form a halo-like circle around the lion’s head, creating a dramatic and almost mystical visual effect.

The coin measures 21.8 mm in diameter and weighs 2.9 grams, aligning with the known standard for Seljuk silver dirhams of this period. Adding further prestige and confidence for collectors and investors alike, this coin has been GENI graded, ensuring professional authentication and preservation within a secure holder. For investors of rare Islamic numismatics, medieval coinage, and historically significant silver artifacts, the Lion and Sun dirham of Kaykhusraw II is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable and desirable coin types ever produced in the Seljuk world.

Its symbolic imagery transcends ordinary coinage, reflecting a sophisticated blend of Persian artistic influence, Turkic royal symbolism, and Islamic cultural heritage. Few medieval coins achieve this level of aesthetic drama and historical intrigue.

Beyond its historical significance, coins like this have increasingly attracted the attention of modern investors seeking tangible assets with cultural and historical value. Ancient coins are finite, irreplaceable artifacts of civilization, and their scarcity only grows with time. At House of Emirates®, we specialize in presenting extraordinary historical treasures to a global audience of discerning collectors and forward-thinking investors.