Samanid fals, brilliant design

[Pellinore]

AE fals Samanids. Abd al-Malik I b. Nuh. Minted in Quba 349H = 960 AD. Obv. Three concentric circles, in the second the Kalima, in the centre, a cruciform monogram formed from 4 x the name Muhammad, the centre ringlet being the first M! Rev. 6 lines in circle, surrounded with text. 26.5 mm, 3.16 gr. Zeno 69828. Album 1463.

-- Paul

[toofast]

Congratulations, very nice piece.

--Dmitry

[Pellinore]

Thank you, Dmity! I wonder if the star-form on this fals could also have a meaning. I always think there must be symbolism in the designs, like in this Samanid coin.
-- Paul