Dirham - al-Hakam II Madinat al-Zahra 360 AH

Islam, Al-Andalus - Spain - Caliphate of Cordoba - Al-Hakam II
Silver dirham (2.65 g, 23 mm). Minted in Madinat al-Zahra (actually near the city of Cordoba, in Andalusia, Spain), in 360 AH (971 CE). Vives 461; Frochoso 360.26. Culture/Region: Spain - Caliphate of Cordoba - Year/Period and Variation: Minted in Madinat al-Zahra (palatine city near present-day Cordoba, Andalusia), in the year 360 AH - Ruler: Al-Hakam II
A silver dirham minted in Madinat al-Zahra in 360 AH (971 CE), under Caliph al-Hakam II, typically had a high purity, generally exceeding 90-95% pure silver, typical of Umayyad Caliphate coinage. These coins, typically weighing approximately 2.65–2.81 grams, represent the highest numismatic quality of this period.

Weight: Approx. 2.65–2.81 g (documented examples).
The numismatics of the Caliphate of Córdoba were characterized by a high degree of silver purity, guaranteeing its circulation throughout Al-Andalus.

The legends vary a bit even in specimen of the same year. To check exactly the variety use the Vives y Escudero catalogue.

The name of the monarch is written on, usually on the bottom near the second line
Below is the example of the monarch's name "al-Hakam II" on a coin:


The mint and date is written in full, on the marginal legend. The script is somewhat calligraphic so not exactly like is presented on the dates in the bottom of this page. Below an example of the mint "Madinat al-Zahra" as seen on a coin is presented: