Egypt, Ayyubid Sultanate of Fals - al-Nasir Salah al-Din Yusuf - Saladin (Hamah)

1. Introduction: The Ayyubid Fals coin, featuring Salah al-Din Yusuf, famously known as Saladin, holds immense historical significance as a coin minted during the Ayyubid Sultanate era in Egypt. This copper coin serves as a tangible link to the past, reflecting the legacy of one of the most prominent figures in Islamic history.
2. Historical Background: The Ayyubid Sultanate of Egypt, established by Saladin in 1174, was a powerful Muslim dynasty that played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the region. Saladin's military prowess and leadership skills are widely acclaimed, making him a revered figure not only in the Islamic world but also in global history.
3. Design Features: The obverse of the coin showcases a central inscription surrounded by intricate arabesques above and below. A marginal legend inside a circle of pellets adds to the coin's aesthetic appeal. On the reverse, another inscription is accompanied by a similar marginal legend within a circle of pellets, showcasing the attention to detail in Ayyubid coinage.
4. Technical Specifications: This Fals coin weighs 3.10g and has a diameter of 22.00mm, typical of the copper coins circulated during the Ayyubid period. The composition of copper speaks to the economic and metallurgical practices of the era, providing insights into the monetary system of the time.
5. Collectible Value: The Ayyubid Fals coin featuring Saladin holds significant collecting value due to its historical importance and association with a renowned historical figure. The scarcity of such coins in the market adds to their desirability among numismatists and history enthusiasts alike. Collectors often seek out these coins to add a piece of medieval Islamic history to their collections.
6. Conclusion: In conclusion, the Ayyubid Fals coin bearing the image of Saladin stands as a tangible relic of a bygone era, immortalizing the legacy of a revered historical figure. Its intricate design, historical significance, and collectible value make it a prized possession for coin collectors and history enthusiasts passionate about the rich heritage of Egypt and the Ayyubid Sultanate. By delving into the details of this coin, one can appreciate not only its numismatic value but also the stories it carries from a time when Saladin's influence reverberated across the Islamic world.

Coin Images

Obverse

Reverse