Viking Hoard - Umayyad Dynasty Dirhem Coin (708 – 709)

Create your own Viking coin hoard with this reproduction Umayyad Dynasty dirhen (dirham) minted between 708-709. Coins of this type have been found across Europe illustrating the breadth of Viking travel and trade. Several dirhams were found in the 10^th century Vale of York hoard found in Yorkshire England and the  9^th-10^th century Furness Hoard discovered in Cumbria, England

The Umayyad Dynasty was one of the four major Islamic caliphates established after the death of the prophet Muhammad in 632. The Umayyad dynasty based in Damascus in Syria expanded to conquer the Middle East, North Africa and Spain and was the fifth largest empire in history. Thousands of Arabic silver coins (dirhams) survive in Viking-Age hoards, settlements and graves across the Scandinavian world indicating the importance of Eastern trade routes via Russia and Byzantium.

Arabic coins were valued for their silver purity within the Scandinavian metal-weight economy and a significant number appear in the archaeological record as ornaments to be worn on necklaces, most likely as part of ladies clothing and dress. The use of coins in Viking jewellery from different localities was most likely symbolic and a method of the owner indicating their wealth and status.

An original artefact of this coin is currently on display at the Museum of Victoria Melbourne Australia and can be viewed on the following link

http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/51287

These coins are hand stamped by a passionate reenactor who performs historical coin minting demonstrations. As each coin is hand stamped small variations may exist adding to the hand made character of the coins.  

Buy in bulk for significant savings.

Made from high-quality pewter.

Please note, the current batch of coins has a slightly different Arabic inscription on one side which is a reproduction of a variant of the coin.