Gold dinar

[1] The first dated coins that can be assigned to the Muslims are copies of silver Dirhams of the Sassanian ruler Yazdegerd III, struck during the Caliphate of Uthman.

These coins differ from the original ones in that an Arabic inscription is found in the obverse margins, normally reading "in the Name of Allah".

The subsequent series was issued using types based on drachmas of Khosrow II, whose coins probably represented a significant proportion of the currency in circulation.

The earliest Muslim copper coins are anonymous and undated but a series exists which may have been issued during the Caliphates of Uthman or Ali.

A scattering of patterned pieces in silver exist from this date, based on Sassanian prototypes but with distinctive Arabic reverses.

This type was used without appreciable change for the whole of Umayyad period, the coins being struck to a new and carefully controlled standard of 4.25 grams.

This weight was reputed to be based on the average of the current Byzantine solidi, was called a Mithqal, a term used earlier for 1⁄72 of a ratl.

Evidence of the importance attached to the close control of the new Dinars is provided by the existence of glass weights, mainly from Egypt.

Both have a depiction of figures on the obverse while the reverse includes a pyramid-shaped pedestal and a staff with a circular head resting at the top.

In 684 (AH 100), North Africa came into line with the eastern issues although the mint is named as Ifriqiya.