Semirech'e region. c. 10th century CE (?). Qara Khitay (Western Liao)? AE cash. Obverse: "Malik Aram Yinal Qaraj" in Kufic Arabic script around central hole. Reverse: Blank. Album A1510P, Zeno 962. This coin: Stephen Album Auction 50, lot 4005 (part of group lot) (September 19-22, 2024). This coin type is rather mysterious, and the information on who issued it and when seems mostly based on conjecture. Based on known find spots, the type was likely issued in Semirech'e (a region in what is now southeastern Kazakhstan and northern Kyrgyzstan, near the western border of China). The shape is the standard "cash" style of cast round coin with central square hole, which originated in China but was also copied in surrounding areas of East and Central Asia. The inscription is in a late Kufic style of Arabic script and reads "Malik Aram Yinal Qaraj", which is presumably the name of the ruler who issued the type; unfortunately, that name is unknown to history. Sources that mention this coin at all usually assign it to the Qara Khitay (also known as the Western Liao or Great Liao), a Mongol-derived dynasty which ruled in the Semirech'e area from 1124 to 1218. However, the style of Kufic Arabic script used on the coin has been interpreted as implying an earlier date of issue. With so much uncertainty, there's not much more I can say about the coin, except that I find it interesting for the mixing of Arabic-derived and Chinese-derived styles. Please post any related coins you have, or let me know if you have any additional information.
