Umayyad Silver Dirham Umar عمر ابن عبد العزيز

Description

House of Emirates® is thrilled to offer its elite clientele this extraordinary silver dirham of the Umayyad Caliph ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz, struck at Al-Basrah in the defining year 100 AH, preserved today in Very Fine condition with exceptional eye appeal. As clearly visible in the accompanying specimen, the coin displays the classic post-reform Umayyad epigraphic style, with sharply legible inscriptions, balanced calligraphy, and well-defined concentric borders on both obverse and reverse. The broad, even flan enhances the visual harmony of the design, fully consistent with its 26 mm diameter and 2.79 g weight, while the natural silver tone and honest circulation wear confirm its authenticity and historical integrity.

This dirham was issued during the reign of a caliph whose name alone elevates any artifact: ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz, often revered as the Fifth Rightly Guided Caliph. His rule marked a rare moral renaissance within the Umayyad Caliphate, defined by justice, humility, and reform rather than conquest or excess. He returned unlawfully seized wealth to the public treasury, abolished discriminatory taxation against non-Arab Muslims, and lived with such personal austerity that court luxuries were dismantled in favor of public welfare. The inscriptions on this coin were struck at the very height of these reforms, transforming this dirham into a tangible witness to one of the most ethically significant moments in Islamic governance.

The scarcity of this dirham is intrinsic, not artificial. ʿUmar ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz ruled for barely two years, resulting in limited mint production, and many surviving coins were later lost, melted, or worn beyond recognition. Examples from Al-Basrah dated 100 AH, especially with clear legends and strong strike as seen here, are increasingly difficult to acquire.

For investors, this piece represents more than silver—it is a historical store of value, combining rarity, condition, symbolism, and provenance. As global demand grows for elite Islamic numismatic assets tied to iconic leadership and ethical legacy, this dirham stands as a compelling long-term investment and a cornerstone acquisition for any serious collection.