Abbasid, al-Amin, donative(?) silver dirham, Madinat al-Salam (Baghdad) mint, AH 195, historically important new type citing a never-before recorded title for al-Amin

Abbasid: al-Amin (809-813), donative(?) silver dirham (2.89g), Madinat al-Salam (Baghdad) mint, AH 195 (810-811 CE). Historically important new type citing a never-before recorded title for al-Amin. Reverse central legend "muhammadun rasulullah / li'abd Allah wa aminihi / muhammad amir al-mu'minin" (Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, for the servant of Allah and His trustee, Muhammad, Commander of the Faithful). This marks a newly identified application of the title "Amin Allah" (reordered from what is mentioned on the coin as "Allahi wa aminihi") (Allah's trustee) for al-Amin, clearly intended as a wordplay on his name, which is notably absent from the coin itself. A brief discussion on this coin occurs on Zeno (#338005), where it has been suggested that this dirham could be a donative issue relating to the important events that took place this year between al-Amin and his brother al-Ma'mun, marking the Fourth Fitna. The coin's design and inscription are unusual for the period, supporting the theory that it was not a standard circulation piece but rather a special issue likely tied to the political events of the time. In late 810, al-Amin escalated tensions by removing his brother al-Ma'mun from the line of succession, naming his own sons instead. In terms of coinage, this is evidenced in the coins of al-Amin, which no longer cited al-Ma'mun as heir after AH 195. Al-Ma'mun responded by assuming the title of "imam" (as evidenced on his coins starting from AH 195), signaling his independent authority. The civil war formally began in early 811 when al-Amin sent a large army to depose al-Ma'mun. Despite initial setbacks, al-Ma'mun's forces, led by Tahir ibn al-Husayn, secured a decisive victory, weakening al-Amin's position and leading to further political and military challenges that ultimately culminated in al-Ma'munÕs ascension. This coin, struck during the height of the Abbasid civil war, reflects the intense political struggle between al-Amin and al-Ma'mun. The unique inscription and title "Amin Allah" (Allah's trustee) underscore the propaganda used by al-Amin to legitimize his authority during a time of conflict. The coin's likely nature as a donative issue, combined with its historical significance, makes it a highly desirable piece for collectors of Islamic numismatics.