★ Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue ★

ISLAMIC, 'Abbasid Caliphate. temp. Al-Mahdi, AH 158-169 / AD 775-785. Hemidrachm (Silver, 23 mm, 2.00 g, 9 h), citing the governor of Tabaristan, Nusayr (AH 168 = AD 784/5), al-Rayy, PYE 133 = AH 168 = AD 784/5. Crowned 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 and in exceptional condition for the issue. Light marks, otherwise, good extremely fine.

Ex Leu Web Auction 23, 22 August 2022, 4193.

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