★ NATURAL RED-BROWN PATINA ★

UMAYYAD.Time of the Rashidun.Pseudo-Byzantine.( 632-660).Fals.

Obv : EN T૪TO NIKA.
Imperial figure standing facing, wearing crown surmounted by cross, holding long cross in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left; in left field, T/૪/T/O downwards; in right field, Λ/K/A.

Rev. Large m in center; in left field, blundered legend; in right field blundered NEOS; above, ANA; in exergue, ΔII.

Condition : Reddish-brown patina with some roughness.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 4.49 gr
Diameter : 25 mm

During the time of the Rashidun Caliphate, which lasted from 632 to 661 AD, the Islamic world underwent significant territorial expansion, bringing vast regions of the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires under Muslim control. As the new rulers established their administration, they inherited existing systems of trade, taxation, and currency. In the early period of the caliphate, there was no immediate overhaul of the coinage system, leading to the creation of what are now called "pseudo-Byzantine" coins, especially the copper *fals* (plural *fulus*).

These pseudo-Byzantine *fals* coins were imitative of the Byzantine copper coinage that had been in circulation in the newly conquered territories, particularly in the Levant and Egypt. The use of these imitations was a pragmatic decision by the Muslim rulers, as it allowed for continuity in commerce and local economies. The Byzantine economy had long relied on the use of coins featuring the imagery of Byzantine emperors, Christian symbols, and Greek inscriptions, and the population was accustomed to their design and value. Rather than immediately introducing a new Islamic currency, the early Islamic rulers adapted existing designs to suit the needs of their growing empire.

The pseudo-Byzantine *fals* coins often retained much of the original Byzantine style, including the image of the emperor, typically depicted standing or enthroned. However, certain modifications were made to distinguish them from the purely Byzantine coins. In many cases, these coins were overstruck with Arabic inscriptions, or some of the Christian symbols, such as the cross, were altered to reflect Islamic sensibilities. For example, on some coins, the cross might be replaced by a simple pole or line, removing its overtly Christian symbolism while retaining the familiar design layout.

The decision to imitate Byzantine coinage rather than introduce entirely new types right away was influenced by several factors. First, the rapid pace of Islamic expansion meant that large areas with diverse populations needed to be integrated into the Islamic economic system. Keeping familiar coinage in circulation helped ease this transition. Second, it would have taken time to establish new mints and create new designs, so the imitative coins acted as a temporary solution. Additionally, the Islamic empire was still in the early stages of developing its own distinct cultural identity, and this would later be reflected more fully in coinage during the Umayyad Caliphate.

These pseudo-Byzantine *fals* coins varied in detail depending on the region in which they were minted. Some regions kept more of the original Byzantine style, while others introduced more significant modifications. In some instances, the Arabic script was used to add Islamic phrases such as *Bismillah* (in the name of God) or to acknowledge the caliph. However, many early issues did not contain overt Islamic symbols, which shows the gradual nature of the transition from Byzantine to Islamic coinage.

As time progressed, the Islamic rulers began to standardize their coinage. By the time of the Umayyad Caliphate, under the reign of Caliph Abd al-Malik (685–705 AD), a fully Islamic coinage system was introduced. Abd al-Malik's reform included the famous gold *dinar* and silver *dirham*, which bore no images of rulers or religious symbols but instead featured Arabic inscriptions, often quoting verses from the Qur’an. This reform marked a clear break from the imitative Byzantine and Sasanian styles, reflecting the new Islamic identity of the empire.

The pseudo-Byzantine *fals* of the Rashidun period represent a fascinating transitional phase in the history of Islamic coinage. These coins highlight the practical approach taken by early Islamic rulers in managing newly conquered territories, using familiar Byzantine styles while gradually introducing Islamic elements. This period of imitative coinage served as a bridge between the Byzantine and early Islamic worlds, paving the way for the development of a distinct and fully Islamic monetary system in the later Umayyad period.