ISLAMIC, Persia (Post-Mongol). Safavids. Tahmasp I, AH 930-984 / AD 1524-1576. 1/4 mithqal (Gold, 13 mm, 1.15 g), fourth gold standard, Sabzawar, undated. Shiʿa kalima, ‘lā ilāha illā Allāh Muḥammad rasūl Allāh ʿAlī walī Allāh’ (‘There is no deity but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Ali is the friend of Allah’ in Arabic). Rev. Within an ornate cartouche, ‘ḍarb Sabzawār’ (‘Struck in Sabzawar’ in Arabic); around, weak traces of the name and titles of the king. Album O2593. Struck from somewhat corroded dies and with areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.

From the Asha & Ardeshir Dabestani Collection, formed over the past four decades.