Ancient Islamic Bronze Commercial Weight
Circa 15th–19th Century AD
⸻
Object Details
•Type: Commercial Weight
•Cultural Area: Islamic World
•Date: Circa 15th–19th century AD
•Material: Bronze (Æ)
•Weight: 13.72 g
•Diameter: 14 mm
•Condition: Good Very Fine
⸻
Description
This authentic ancient Islamic bronze commercial weight dates to approximately the 15th–19th centuries, a period marked by vibrant trade networks spanning the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
Commercial weights like this were essential instruments in regulated marketplaces, used to ensure accuracy and fairness in trade. They played a fundamental role in transactions involving precious metals, spices, textiles, and other valuable commodities, reflecting the importance of honest measurement within Islamic commercial and legal traditions.
Crafted in durable bronze, these weights were designed for frequent handling while maintaining consistent mass over long periods. Their standardized form illustrates the sophistication of Islamic economic systems and the administrative oversight exercised by local authorities.
⸻
Historical Context
In Islamic societies, accurate weights and measures were closely tied to religious, ethical, and legal principles, as fairness in commerce was strongly emphasized under Islamic law. Official commercial weights were often produced or approved by state or municipal authorities and served as trusted standards across cities and regions.
Objects such as this weight provide a tangible connection to the everyday economic life of the pre-modern Islamic world, complementing the study of coinage and monetary history.
⸻
Why This Object Matters
•Genuine Islamic commercial artifact
•Used in historical systems of trade and market regulation
•Compact bronze format with good preservation
•Represents daily economic activity beyond coinage
•Educational and highly collectible historical object
⸻
Included with This Piece
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective archival-quality holder or sleeve
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using pure cotton fibers following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo