★ Nusayr al-Wasif, a eunuch and chief of intelligence ★

ISLAMIC, 'Abbasid Caliphate. temp. Al-Mahdi, AH 158-169 / AD 775-785. Hemidrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 2.11 g, 5 h), citing the governor of Tabaristan, Nusayr (AH 168 = AD 784/5), al-Rayy, PYE 133 = AH 168 = AD 784/5. rowned and draped Sasanian-style bust to right; behind head, AFZUT GDH ('may his kingship increase' in Pahlawi); before head, 'NSYR' in Pahlawi; in outer margin, APD / NWKW ('excellent' and 'good' in Pahlawi). Rev. Sasanian fire altar set on three steps, flanked by two attendants standing facing; to left, date; to right, mint in Kufic. Album L73. SICA I, 352. Walker, Arab-Sassanian, -. Extremely rare. Very fine.

The identity of Nusayr is debated. One convincing candidate is Nusayr al-Wasif, a eunuch and chief of intelligence under the caliph, al-Mahdi.