Arab-Sasanian, Umayyad. Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad. Dirham Dated: AH 59 (AD 678/679) / Mint: BCLA (al-Basra) (No Reserve Price)

ISLAMIC, Arab-Sasanian, Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad, AR Dirham.
Dated: AH 59 (AD 678/679)
Mint: BCLA (al-Basra)
Reference: Album 12
Obverse: Features a right-facing bust, styled in the traditional Sasanian fashion, with Pahlavi legends (Middle Persian script) surrounding the image. In the margin of the coin, the Arabic phrase "bism Allah" ("In the name of Allah") is inscribed, reflecting the early Islamic adaptation of the traditional Sasanian coinage design.
Reverse: The reverse depicts a Zoroastrian fire-altar flanked by two attendants, a classic motif of Sasanian coinage. This imagery was retained during the early Islamic period as a continuity of regional cultural symbols. The mint mark BCLA (al-Basra) is visible, indicating that the coin was minted in the important Islamic center of Basra, Iraq.
The Arab-Sasanian coinage represents a fascinating transitional phase in early Islamic history. Following the Muslim conquest of Persia in the mid-7th century, the Umayyad Caliphate continued to use the well-established Sasanian silver dirhams with minor Islamic modifications. These coins retained many traditional Sasanian elements, such as the imagery of a ruler’s bust and the Zoroastrian fire-altar, while incorporating Islamic inscriptions.

This specific coin, issued under Ubayd Allah b. Ziyad, the Umayyad governor of Basra, is an example of such transitional coinage. Ubayd Allah was appointed governor by the Umayyad Caliph Muawiya I and governed from 674 to 686 AD. He is best known for his critical role in the suppression of al-Husayn ibn Ali’s revolt, which culminated in the tragic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD (61 AH). Acting on behalf of Caliph Yazid I, Ubayd Allah blocked al-Husayn’s access to Kufa, ultimately leading to al-Husayn's (peace be upon him) death and the martyrdom of his followers. This event became a defining moment in Islamic history, particularly for Shi'a Muslims.
Diameter: 32 mm
Weight: 4.14 grams