Artuqid Zodiac Dirham of Najm al-Din Alpi — Gemini & Virgo Type

Own One of the Most Fascinating Zodiac Coins of the Medieval Islamic World

A real bronze dirham of Najm al-Din Alpi, ruler of the Artuqid emirate of Mardin, featuring one of the celebrated zodiac designs of medieval Islamic coinage.

$250.00

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🏛 Struck nearly 900 years ago during the age of the Crusades
⭐ Features the rare Gemini–Virgo zodiac design
🌍 A remarkable blend of Islamic, Byzantine, and classical artistic traditions

📷 Photos show the exact coin you will receive.

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Few medieval Islamic coins are as visually striking—or as mysterious—as the zodiac dirhams of the Artuqid Dynasty.

This remarkable bronze dirham was struck under Najm al-Din Alpi, who ruled the Artuqid emirate of Mardin from AD 1152 to 1176. His kingdom stood at one of the great crossroads of the medieval world, where Islamic, Byzantine, Armenian, Persian, and Crusader cultures met through trade, diplomacy, and warfare.

The Artuqids became renowned for producing some of the most imaginative coinage of the Middle Ages. Unlike the inscription-only designs that dominated much of the medieval Islamic world, Artuqid engravers created coins featuring rulers, mythological figures, astronomical symbols, and scenes inspired by centuries of artistic tradition.

This example belongs to the famous Gemini–Virgo zodiac series, one of the most celebrated issues of medieval Islamic numismatics. The imagery reflects the medieval fascination with astronomy and astrology, disciplines that played important roles in science, medicine, philosophy, and royal courts throughout the Islamic world. Although scholars continue to debate the precise meaning of these designs, they likely expressed ideas of cosmic order, kingship, and divine harmony.

Far more than everyday currency, this coin is a miniature work of medieval art. It captures a moment when knowledge from the Greek, Roman, Persian, and Islamic worlds blended together, creating one of the most distinctive coin series ever struck.

Today, the zodiac dirhams of the Artuqids are prized for their rarity, historical importance, and extraordinary artistic character. Few medieval coins better illustrate the rich cultural exchange that flourished in the medieval Near East.

Perfect For

• Medieval Islamic coin collectors
• Collectors of zodiac and astronomical coinage
• Crusades history enthusiasts
• Collectors of unusual historical artwork
• Anyone seeking a visually striking and historically unique artifact

What You'll Receive

• The exact bronze dirham pictured
• Civilization: Artuqid Dynasty
• Ruler: Najm al-Din Alpi (AD 1152–1176)
• Mint: Mardin
• Century: 12th Century AD
• Denomination: Bronze Dirham
• Type: Gemini–Virgo Zodiac
• Guaranteed authentic

Continue the Story

The Artuqid rulers produced some of the most creative and visually distinctive coins of the medieval world, blending Islamic traditions with influences from the classical and Byzantine worlds.

Explore our other medieval Islamic coins to discover the remarkable dynasties, rulers, and artistic traditions that flourished during the age of the Crusades.

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin
• Carefully sourced and verified
• 30-day return policy
• Secure shipping from the U.S.

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