Persian Treasury
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Coinage of 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid)

1 catalogued issue of 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) — metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions with references.

In short

Adud al-Dawla (949–983) was the greatest Buyid ruler, holding Iraq and much of Iran while keeping the Abbasid caliph as a figurehead — and reviving the ancient Persian title Shahanshah. 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 372 CE – 983 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Basra.

Catalogued
1
Eras
1
Metals
1
Denominations
1

Key facts

Key facts about 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) in the Persian Treasury catalogue
Catalogued pieces1
Date range372 CE – 983 CE
Eras representedArab-Sasanian & Early Islamic
MetalsSilver
DenominationsDirham
MintsBasra
Reign949–983 CE
DynastyBuyid (Daylamite, Shi'i)
Title revivedShahanshah, King of Kings
CapitalsShiraz and Baghdad

A Shi'i dynasty over a Sunni caliph

The Buyids, Daylamite mountaineers from the Caspian, took Baghdad in 945 and ruled through the caliph rather than replacing him. Adud al-Dawla made the arrangement explicit, styling himself King of Kings in conscious revival of Sasanian titulature.

His coinage names the caliph and the amir together, and his building programme — including the Band-e Amir dam and hospitals in Baghdad and Shiraz — was financed by that system.

Buyid coinage

Buyid gold and silver often use elaborate calligraphy and sometimes revive Sasanian-style imagery on ceremonial pieces, a striking exception in Islamic coinage.

Ordinary dirhams are available and frequently struck on broad, thin flans with wide margins that show the full legend well.

Arab-Sasanian & Early Islamic · 651 – 1258 CE

Era overview →

Buyid Silver Dirham

'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid)

AH 372 (982–983 CE)

The Buyids (934–1062) controlled the caliph in Baghdad while openly using Persian royal titulature on their coinage — a deliberate Iranian revival.

Frequently asked about 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid)

Did the Buyids replace the caliph?
No. They held real power in Baghdad from 945 while keeping the Abbasid caliph as a religious figurehead, naming him alongside themselves on coinage.
Why is the title Shahanshah significant?
It is the ancient Sasanian royal title. Reviving it announced a deliberate reconnection with pre-Islamic Iranian kingship.
What coins did 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) issue?
'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) issued 1 catalogued coin type dated 372 CE – 983 CE, recorded here with metal, weight, mint, obverse and reverse descriptions. The surviving issues in this catalogue are struck in Silver at Basra.
How many 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) pieces are catalogued on Persian Treasury?
1 item, dated 372 CE – 983 CE, spread across 1 era: Arab-Sasanian & Early Islamic.
Which metals were used for 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) coinage?
Silver. Each entry records the metal, the approximate weight where known, and a cited reference.
Which denominations are associated with 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid)?
Dirham. Every denomination has its own reference page with dated examples.
Where were 'Adud al-Dawla (Buyid) coins minted?
Recorded mints include Basra.

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Denominations here

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