Based on the 3.69 g. weight, this appears to be a 1 falus coin, dated 1255 [?] A.H. = 1839/40 A.D., bearing the mint name "Za." Confirmation, a reference number to Eustache, and information concerning the Za mint would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Yes, it does appear to be a 1 Falus minted at Za. (I initially thought it might be 1233, but that doesn't match anything listed in Krause). Krause ID number is C#122a.7. Standard weight is 4.7g, but it does appear a bit worn. It was minted under the rule of Moulay 'Abd al-Rahman. Za only operated from 1837-1842, and only minted 1 Falus coins. As for the mint itself.... I can't find anything on it. Several places mention "Za" - linked to Taourirt. There is a Kasbah Taourirt in the city of Ouarzazate which was owned by the very prominent ruling family Glaoui. This is pure speculation, but they may have abbreviated the city name to "Za" because of the size of the coin. Eustache number is 939. Eustache mentions a known variety with the line below date (this is not the most common variety). He mentions the weight of that example is 3.52g, closer in line to what you have. He does also mention this variety is missing the bars on the 5s, which explains your coin perfectly. (as a side note... whenever I have to consult Eustache, I feel an awful lot like Gandalf in the libraries of Minis Tirith, consulting the dusty tomes of Isildur)
Thank you! And I loved your allusion to Tolkien. I posted the coin to Zeno and received a very interesting comment, to the effect that the coin was cast in Fez. https://www.zeno.ru/showphoto.php?photo=340026&cat=6338&ppuser=&sortby=d&way=desc
I don't know what Zeno is... but if it was cast in Fes, it would say Fes. Not Za. Not sure who told you that, but tell them to check their Eustache and report back. There is a very clear illustration and description that perfectly matches your coin. If that isn't good enough for you... I don't know what else to tell you in polite terms.
Iwasn't questioning the attribution but mentioned it becaue you might find his comments to be interesting, albeit puzzling
I bought a handful of additional fals coins. I located two libraries not far from me that have Eustache. I wonder how many pages are devoted to the bronze fals coins.
Two separate libraries with Eustache? Wow. That is actually a really rare and expensive book. Be aware - Eustache is organized by Sharif, by metal, by type. So each king has a chapter and it starts with all the gold coins, silver coins, and then bronze coins, ordered by denomination. You'll need to have an idea where to start... I recommend Krause to start and narrow it down, and then Eustache will pinpoint it.
