ISLAMIC, Umayyad Caliphate. temp. Mu'awiya I ibn Abi Sufyan, AH 41-60 / AD 661-680. Drachm (Silver, 32 mm, 3.78 g, 9 h), Arab-Sasanian type, citing governor Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad (AH 54-64 = AD 673-683), SK (Sijistan), AH 56 = AD 675/6. Crowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, AWBYTALA / Y ZYYATAN ('Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad' in Pahlawi); in outer margin, 'bism Allah' ('In the name of Allah' in Kufic). Rev. Sasanian fire altar set on three steps, flanked by two attending priests (mabedh) standing facing; to left, date; to right, mint ('SK' in Pahlawi). Album 12. Malek, Arab-Sasanian, 984. Nicely toned. Struck from a slightly worn obverse die, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collection of Dr. D. Löer, formed since the 1970s, privately acquired from Ancient Coins Canada.