Public Numismatic Auction #8

Abd al-Rahman b. Muhammad, AH 80-84 (700-703). Drachme AH 82 (701), Sistan/Sijistan. Buste sassanide couronné d'un casque ailé à droite. Inscription marginale "Bism Allah saïd Billah" / Autel zororastrien entre deux servants tenant chacun une épée. 4,02g. A 38A ; Shams Eshragh -. Superbe exemplaire.
The second known specimen of this coin, showing a rare marginal inscription. This type of inscription, usually found on seals, was probably chosen by the issuer himself and served as his motto. Traditionally named Ibn al-Ash´ath in historical sources, 'Abd al-Rahman had been sent by al-Hajjaj to bring peace to Sijistan. Urged on by his men, he turned against al-Hajjaj and the caliph Abd al-Malik. In AH 82 or 83, he withdrew to Sistan after being defeated by troops who remained loyal to al-Hajjaj and died there in AH 84 or 85.