I have recently acquired this piece that is the only known example of 1 dirham (0.50 g) of Ghazan II of Ilkhans. It first looked like a terrible strike but then I realized that it is covered with tin- or lead-like metal which can be removed with a metal pin. But it is not possible to remove it completely using only mechanical cleaning. So I cleaned it chemically and then mechanically under microscope. Now it looks better. Ghazan II is one of the rarest rulers and this piece is even rarer as it is 1 dirham. So I am extra precautious because it might be a clipped down 2 dirham. If anyone has a similar specimen in better condition weighing in the range of 0.48-0.54 g that would be great to know! You can magnify it in my website: http://altaycoins.com/sikke_detay.asp?rnd=Nzc0&dil=Mg==
I did not even know who the Ilkhans were until I looked at your website. I still don't know enough to appreciate the rarity of the coin you posted. But you at least taught me the basic fact of the Ilkhanate's existence. I did recognize the name of Hulagu Khan because of his famous grandfather.
I have a subdomain which is devoted to ilkhans: http://ilkhans.altaycoins.com it might be more interesting for you And yes Hulagu is pretty famous not only because of his grandfather Genghis but also because of the siege of Baghdad. I acquired from a guy who is metal detecting in the region of eastern Anatolia.
