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Primary sourceArtifact347 AH

Silver dirham of Abd al-Rahman III, minted at Madinat al-Zahra

347 AH

A silver coin struck in the name of Abd-ar-Rahman III at his palace-city of Madinat al-Zahra, showing his authority as caliph.

A coin struck in his name at his palace-city, direct evidence of his authority as caliph.

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Photograph of two sides of a silver dirham coin, showing Arabic inscriptions in concentric circles on the obverse and reverse. The coin has a worn, slightly irregular edge and a silvery surface.
Silver dirham of Abd al-Rahman III, minted at Madinat al-Zahra, 347 AH.

About this source

What it is

This is a silver dirham coin minted in the name of Abd-ar-Rahman III at Madinat al-Zahra, his palace-city near Córdoba, in the year 347 of the Hijra calendar. The coin carries Arabic inscriptions in concentric circles on both sides.

Why it matters

Coins like this were struck under the caliph's own authority and used throughout his territory, making them direct evidence of his rule and the wealth of his court at Madinat al-Zahra. Because it was made during his reign and carries his name, it is a primary source for studying his power and government.

Look closer

  • What can the inscriptions on the coin tell us, even without being able to read them fully?
  • Why would a ruler put his name on coins used across his realm?
  • What does a coin reveal about a ruler's power that a painting or building cannot?

This artifact is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Abd al-Rahman III on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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