File:Early-Medieval Coin , Contemporary imitation of Abbasid silver dirham (FindID 629137).jpg

Description:

Contemporary imitation of Abbasid silver dirham, probably late 9th century or early 10th century, four round piercings , 2.97 g. EMC 2012.0081.

Discussion:

Dr Lutz Ilisch comments: 'A rather typical specimen for a group of very crude imitative dirhams, which turn up characteristically in hoards of the very late 9th century and around 900. They have only one marginal "legend", generally transformed into tamgha-like signs, on both sides and a circle around the field on both sides. They are probably Khazar, but other origins in Eastern Europe and Northern Caucasia are possible. Typical examples are Stora Velinge I 2658, Klukowicze 920, Jena 1, 1420. Rispling calls them Group B2 and dates them to the second half of the 9th century.'

The four piercings indicate secondary use as a decorative object, possibly as a brooch fitting.

Dimensions: 26 mm diameter.

As we have no evidence that this find was discovered post- 24 September 1997 we must evaluate it under Treasure Trove laws. Under Treasure Trove evidence would have to point to the object having been deliberately hidden with the intention of recovery. The coin is most likely to be a casual loss and therefore does not constitute treasure.

Author: Dr Martin Allen, Senior Assistant Keeper, Department of Coins and Medals, Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge CB2 1RB.

29.3.2012