SELJUQ of RUM: Kaykhusraw II.1236-1245 AD.Konya Mint.643 AH. AR dirham.

Obv : السلطان الاعظم / ظل الله في العالم / غياث الدنيا و الدين / كيخسرو بن كيقباد / قسم امير المؤمنين.(The Great Sultan / The Shadow of God in the World / The Help of the World and Religion / Kaykhusraw bin Kayqubad / The Oath of the Commander of the Faithful).
Arabic legend; Darb haza al dirhem bi Mahsurad konya.

Rev : الله الرحمن الرحيم / بااله / محمد رسول الله / الامام المستعصم / بالله امير المؤمنين.(God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful / By God / Muhammad is the Messenger of God / Imam Al-Musta'sim / By God, the Commander of the Faithful).
Arabic legend.
Izmirlier 419.

Condition : The coin is in well-preserved condition with clear inscriptions on both sides. The patina shows a light silver tone, with a natural aged appearance. Minimal wear can be observed, and the surface appears to have been relatively well-protected over time, with a smooth texture and slight signs of tarnish typical of silver coins of this age.Extrelemy fine.

Material : Silver.
Axis : 6h

Weight : 2.92 gr
Diameter : 24 mm

Kaykhusraw II was the Sultan of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rum from 1236 to 1245, a period marked by both internal consolidation and external pressures. His reign is significant in the history of the Seljuqs for several reasons, including military campaigns, economic developments, and administrative reforms. One of the important aspects of his rule was the reform of the coinage system, which played a key role in stabilizing the economy of the Sultanate.

The coinage reform initiated by Kaykhusraw II was a response to the changing political and economic conditions in Anatolia during his reign. The Sultanate of Rum had become a prominent power in the region by the early 13th century, controlling important trade routes that linked the East and the West. However, like many medieval states, the Seljuqs faced issues related to the debasement of currency, fluctuating values of silver, and the need for a stable monetary system that could support trade and taxation.

Under Kaykhusraw II, the reforms aimed to standardize the coinage to ensure consistency in weight, silver content, and design. This reform was essential for maintaining trust in the currency, particularly among the merchants and traders who relied on stable money for commercial activities. The Seljuqs controlled key cities like Konya, Sivas, and Kayseri, which were major hubs of trade along the Silk Road, and a reliable coinage system was crucial for facilitating both domestic and international trade.

Kaykhusraw II's coinage reform involved issuing new silver coins, known as dirhams, which became the standard currency throughout the Sultanate of Rum. These coins were often struck in major mints across the empire, bearing the names of the sultan and sometimes even inscriptions in Arabic and Persian, reflecting the multicultural nature of the Seljuq state. The designs on the coins also displayed symbolic imagery that emphasized the sultan’s authority and connection to Islamic traditions, though some coins bore images influenced by the local Byzantine and Christian populations, reflecting the diverse society of Anatolia at the time.

The reform of the coinage under Kaykhusraw II was not only an economic measure but also a political statement. By issuing standardized coins, Kaykhusraw II sought to assert his authority across the Sultanate and reinforce the legitimacy of his rule. The coins were a physical representation of his sovereignty and were circulated widely within his domains. The reforms also helped to project an image of stability and control, which was important in a period when the Seljuqs were facing external threats from the Mongols in the east and internal challenges from rival factions and rebellious vassals.

Moreover, Kaykhusraw II's coinage reform occurred at a time when the Seljuq state was becoming increasingly integrated into the broader Islamic world, both politically and economically. The stability provided by the reformed currency system helped strengthen trade links with other Muslim states, as well as with Christian Europe. Anatolia, under the Seljuqs, was a crossroads of cultures and commerce, and a stable currency played a crucial role in maintaining the region’s prosperity.

Despite the internal benefits of the coinage reform, Kaykhusraw II's reign was also marked by significant external pressures, particularly the advancing Mongol forces. The Sultanate of Rum would eventually face the devastating Mongol invasion in the aftermath of Kaykhusraw II’s death, and the political instability that followed weakened the impact of some of his reforms. Nevertheless, the coinage reform of Kaykhusraw II represents an important moment in the history of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rum, reflecting a broader trend of economic and administrative modernization in response to both internal demands and external challenges.

In summary, the coinage reform under Kaykhusraw II between 1236 and 1245 was a significant attempt to stabilize the economy of the Sultanate of Rum and to project the authority of the Seljuq state across Anatolia. It facilitated trade, helped standardize the monetary system, and reinforced the sultan’s control over a diverse and complex region during a time of both opportunity and threat.