ASSASSINS AT ALAMUT (BATINID): Muhammad III (618-653AH). AE Fals, Date 653AH, 2.16gm, RR.

ASSASSINS AT ALAMUT (BATINID): Muhammad III (618-653AH). AE Fals, Date 653AH, 2.16gm, RR.
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ASSASSINS AT ALAMUT (BATINID)

Muhammad III, 1221–1254 (618-653AH). AE Fals, Date: 653AH, al-Mawla / al-A’zam // bird right, formed from the name Muhammad bin al-Hasan.

Coinage of the Nizari Ismaili state, commonly referred to as the “Assassins,” is exceedingly rare, particularly for the later Imams. Most copper issues were small, utilitarian pieces struck in limited quantities within the fortress communities of the Nizari state.

This remarkable issue features zoomorphic calligraphy in the form of a bird, ingeniously incorporating the name Muhammad bin al-Hasan. The combination of calligraphy, symbolism, and figural design reflects the distinctive artistic character of late Nizari Ismaili coinage shortly before the Mongol destruction of Alamut in 1256.

An important addition to the corpus of late Batinid coinage, with exceptional preservation and striking artistic execution. One of the finest examples ever offered.

A similar example was sold in Stephen Album Rare Coins, Auction 54, Lot 563