legend

銘文　—　Reading

The lettering struck on a coin.

Gold daricc. BC 510–330 Early Islamic dirhamThe early Islamic period

This indicates who issued it, where it was made, and when. Numerous abbreviations and inconsistent spellings make them difficult to read until one is accustomed to them.

⚠ Inscriptions were not written solely 'for the owner to read.' Even in societies where most people were illiterate, the king's name was engraved. The writing itself served as a mark of authority.