FATIMID: Anonymous, ca. 960-980+, AR donative (2.79g), NM, ND, A-D709, horseman right, Allah 'ali above // humped bull right, isma'ili above; possibly issued to promote Fatimid opposition to the Sunni dominance at Baghdad, Fine. Isma'ili refers to a branch of Shi'ite Islam associated with the Fatimids. The name 'Ali refers to 'Ali b. Abi Talib, recognized by the Shi'ites as the first official caliph after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.The horseman and humped bull (zebu) derived from the early silver drachms of the Hindushahis of the Kabul Valley.It is possible that the Fatimids intended to present examples of this type to their representative at Multan, known as the Isma'ili Da'îs, who ruled at Multan AH354-396. Interestingly, similar donatives with horseman & bull were struck by the 'Abbasids during the reign of al Muti' (334-363).
Estimate: USD 4000 - 5000