The third Saffarid dynasty ruled the Sistan/Nimruz area shortly before the invasion of the Mongol armies around 1220 AD.
The most well-known ruler was Taj ud-din Harb (1167-1215AD). During his reign some very characteristic Jitals were issued. The most common of these is type Tye#125 (Album 1427.2), which was shown
here and
here.
Below is a less common Jital of the same ruler. The obverse shows the name Harb in the centre. The reverse shows the Kalima with a reference to Caliph Al-Nasir. Mr Tye gives the legend as: "La illah illa / Muhammad rasul / al-Nasir ud-din / Muhammad. It is clear that on my specimen the bottom lines are missing. Interesting is however that there also is a word above the Kalima. This is known from other specimen, but in the references i consulted, like
here, this is generally described as "unread".
This part of the legend in my specimen seems quite well preserved. So i did my best to read the text. However, i had a hard time to construct this into a meaningfull word. I do not think this is a mint name, because its placement directly above the Kalima. I considered "Farwan", as known mintplace, but that's located north of Kabul, very distant from the Sistan region. My best option to date is to read it as
فانوس which translates as "lantern". I have doubts though. I have naturally also considered "Falus",
فلوس, but that fits less with the actual inscription, and i think this would also be considered less appropriate above the Kalima. So any help from our readers knowledgeable in Arab is appreciated !
BI 16 mm, 3.35 grams. Tye#123, Album-1427.1