Ernst Guenther Weber, Arab-Sasanian drachms, in: Contributions to Bremen Coin and History, ed: Bremer Numismatic Society. , 2013. 120 pages, color illustrations throughout. A4. Paperback. Sewn binding. 24 € plus shipping.

In the year 77 of the Hegira (696 AD) decided to set in motion a major coinage reform of the Umayyad ruler Abd al-Malik. Until then had been used Arabic silver coins modeled on the Sasanian drachmas, the traditional symbols showed that remotely stood Islam, even partially incompatible with the new embassy were. Only small Arabic inscriptions pointed to the new Coin Lords and its revolutionary world view. This highly interesting testimony of one of the most important eras of human history with coin collectors are still a little in the shade. This is a great opportunity for willing to learn, as there are still unique and great rarities for little money on the market have.

One who has grabbed this opportunity with both hands, Ernst Guenther Weber. He has his collection is now in the 8th Band of Bremen contributions to the coin and story published. And it is a remarkable collection. It consists of 208 pieces, minted between 651/2 and 793 / 4th Hidden therein are 20 unike and some extremely rare coins he makes the science accessible with this.

The centerpiece of the book is the extensive publication of the collection. Each coin is illustrated with diameter and weight, the signature appearing thereon is reproduced and resolved. The four major reference works are cited. For this purpose, the author comments on the pieces that have found their special attention in detail. Catalog The author sends a three-sided, translated into English Introduction ahead, in which he responds to short abbreviations, his system of transliteration and the annual figures. Useful is his statement to that of the designs, which also allows the inexperienced, to find a provision for central points of the coin.

On a historical introduction, the author omitted because - quite rightly - notes that this is to be found in the works of John Walker, Heinz Gaube and the latest catalog of the Ashmolean Museum also. But Walker and dormer wrote in 1967 and 1973, and the Sylloge the Ashmolean Museum in 2002 are unfortunately published in the English language, making it the German reader would have been glad if he is also in German about the current state of research could inform.

In Appendix gives the author nor a summary of the equivalent temples to the drachma, and summarizes in tabular form the coins in the collection together. The big surprise comes when one considers the price of this important guide to the Arab-Sasanian coinage: 24 € plus shipping costs - 2 € at home 6 euros abroad. Because you have to speak of a nominal fee are more likely.

The Bremen Numismatic Society has once again enriched the numismatics. Purchase can book on Auctions & coin dealers, Christoph Stadler K. a post about the great coinage reform of Abd al-Malik can be found here:muenzenwoche.de/de/Die-erste-islamische-Goldmuenze-der-Geschichte/8?&id=71&type=a

To read the complete article, see:Arab-Sasanian drachmas - The latest volume of the Bremen contributions to the coin and history(www.muenzenwoche.de/de/News/4?&id=2105)