Azerbaijan National Academy of Science

ANAS National Museum of Azerbaijan History protects coins date back to reign of Shah Ismayil I.

The Safavids has been one of the unique and important states in centuries-old history of the Middle Ages. The founder and first king of the Safavid Empire, Shah Ismayil I came to power in 1501 and declared the capital city of Tabriz. Leaving an indelible mark in the history, writing poems under the pseudonym of Khatai the great ruler Shah Ismayil (Khatai) (1501-1524) could manage to shift the Safavid state into a strong and mighty empire.

According to the well-known numismatic, Dr. History Ali Rajabli, on behalf of the Safavid state were minted coins in more than 70 cities, including the medieval cities of Azerbaijan Zayam, Gum (where had Albanian Christian churches during Albania), and Arash in different years. Coin production was mainly dominated by the capital of Tabriz.

A portion of gold and almost 200 silver coins minted on behalf of Shah Ismayil I that have preserved up today, are stored at the museum's numismatic collection, some of which are featured in the exhibition.

A gold coin on behalf of Shah Ismayil I, which attracts the attention of visitors, was minted in Tabriz. The gold coins is dubbed "Ashrafi", weighs 3.5 grams.

Average weight of silver coin “shahi”, which is protected at the museum exposition, is 9.4 grams. The main function of the coin was a means of commodity exchanges and trade. As they say, these silver coins are minted for empire and used in the abroad trade.

Note that, these coins are being featured at the exhibition “Shah Ismayil: commander and king” of the National Museum of Azerbaijan History.

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