Early Islamic Coins: Umayyad and Abbasid Periods Lot of Three Silver Coins This lot includes three notable silver dirhams from the early Islamic era, representing both Umayyad and Abbasid periods: 1. Umayyad Caliphate, Arab-Sasanian Dirham: o Governor: Citing the Umayyad governor Ziyad ibn Abi Sufyan (AH 44–54 / AD 665–673). o Mint and Date: Struck at BYŠ (Bishapur mint) in AH 52 = AD 672. o Design: Arab-Sasanian type with "bismillah" (بسم الله, "In the name of Allah") inscribed in the margin. o References: Album 8. o Condition: Darkly toned with some deposits on the edges. o Specifications: 3.91 grams, 30 mm. 2. Abbasid Caliphate, Arab-Bukharan Dirham: o Caliph: Al-Mahdi (AH 158–169 / AD 775–785). o Type: BI dirham (billon), undated. o References: Album 94. o Condition: Well-preserved with clear details. o Specifications: 2.58 grams, 26 mm. 3. Abbasid Caliphate, Arab-Sasanian Hemidrachm (Tabaristan): o Type: AFZWT type, minted during the reign of Harun al-Rashid. o Date: PYE 135 = AH 170 (AD 786–787). o Design: Arab-Sasanian style with detailed reverse bearing dark patina. o Condition: Reverse displays appealing patina, with light wear. o Specifications: 1.78 grams, 24 mm. Historical Context: This collection represents the transitional phase of Islamic coinage, from Arab-Sasanian styles under the Umayyads to distinct Islamic designs under the Abbasids. The Umayyad dirham reflects the administrative adaptation of pre-Islamic Persian motifs with Islamic inscriptions, while the Arab-Bukharan coin and Tabaristan hemidrachm illustrate the Abbasid era's regional and stylistic diversity.