Aq Qoyunlu Gold Coin

Historical context — Timurid & Safavid

Timurid rulers struck shahrukhi silver coins, Safavid shahs introduced the abbasi and shahi denominations with exquisite Nastaliq calligraphy and Shia inscriptions.

Frequently asked

What is the Aq Qoyunlu Gold Coin?

The Aq Qoyunlu ('White Sheep' Turkmen) ruled western Iran from Tabriz before being overthrown by Shah Ismail I and the Safavids in 1501. It was struck in 1490–1493 CE at Tabriz under Baysunghur (Aq Qoyunlu).

What metal and weight is it?

Gold.

What designs appear on it?

Obverse: Shahada in central panel. Reverse: Ruler's titles with mint and date.

Related pieces

Silver

Shah Ismail I Silver Shahi — Tabriz

Shah Ismail I (founder)

1501–1524 CE

First coinage of the Safavid empire from its founding capital. Shah Ismail's elevation of Twelver Shi'ism to state religion in 1501 was an act of historic religious transformation, and his coins are its first physical declaration.

Silver

Qara Qoyunlu Silver Tanka — Tabriz

Jahan Shah

AH 841–872 / 1438–1467 CE

The Qara Qoyunlu ('Black Sheep') Turkmen briefly ruled western Iran and Iraq, and were displaced by the Aq Qoyunlu in 1467. Jahan Shah is famous as builder of the Blue Mosque of Tabriz. Image: related Aq Qoyunlu Tabriz gold.

Silver

Timur Silver Tanka

Timur (Tamerlane)

AH 795 / 1393 CE

Struck in Timur's name while nominally honouring the Chagatai khan — the silver tanka standard he established was inherited by his successors and later the Safavids.

Silver

Ulugh Beg Silver Tanka

Ulugh Beg

AH 850–853 / 1447–1449 CE

Ulugh Beg — astronomer-king and grandson of Timur — issued tankas continuing the high silver standard of his father Shah Rukh's shahrukhi.

Silver

Safavid 20 Shahi (Isfahan, 1690)

Shah Suleiman I

AH 1101 / 1690 CE

Heavy ceremonial multiple of the shahi denomination, struck at the Safavid capital. Continues the Shia-doctrinal coinage type first standardised by Shah Ismail I in 1501.

Silver

Safavid Silver Abbasi

Shah Suleiman I (Safavid)

1666–1694 CE

The denomination 'abbasi' was named after Shah Abbas I (1588–1629) and remained the standard Safavid silver trade coin across the Persian Gulf for over a century.