Malek of Kurzuwan. Islamic siege coin. AE Jital. Minted in June/July 1221AD. A city part of the Khwarezm Empire which stretched through much of Central Asia and Northern Afghanistan. This coin was minted during weeks before the entire city was annihilated by the armies of Genghis Khan, leaving no survivors. Most were crudely struck, off-center and worn. Scarce.
Great you give some attention to these little shown types. I do not think these had the time to get worn, most seem just weakly struck. Your top picture shows the arab text on the coin upside down.They were probably minted over a little longer period than a few weeks. This is illustrated by the fact that there are two types: Yours is struck in the month Rabi II, below i show one struck during the following month Jumada I.
The Jumaida Are significantly scarcer. It was within that month I believe that the Mongol horde razed the city to the ground leaving no survivors. Thanks for pointing out the upside down legends as I can't read Arabic. I was thinking of parking this either under the Silk Road Series as it was the Khwarezm Empire of Transoxania or Famous personalities series since they relate to Genghis Khan. Decided to leave it under the Islamic Series in the end.
Although I like green patination, this one gives off an eerie "yin" feel to it on top and above the tragic background behind the episode
Agree these coins have an added significance because of their history. The problem with classification of these under one series or another has a simple solution: get more than one ! ;-)
