Seljuq of Rūm – Kaykhusraw II (AD 1211–1220)
Silver Dirham | Konya Mint | AH 639
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Coin Details
•Dynasty: Seljuq Sultanate of Rūm
•Ruler: Kaykhusraw II
•Mint: Konya (Qonya)
•Date: AH 639 (AD 1241–1242)
•Denomination: Dirham
•Material: Silver
•Weight: 3.04 g
•Diameter: 22 mm
•Die Axis: 2h
•Condition: Good Very Fine
•Reference: Album 1218
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Obverse
Arabic inscription naming al-Imam al-Mustansir Billah, Commander of the Faithful, affirming Abbasid religious legitimacy.
The central imagery features a lion advancing right, surrounded by three stars, with a personification of the sun above—one of the most iconic and unusual designs in medieval Islamic numismatics.
This powerful symbolism is traditionally interpreted as a reference to royal authority, astrological significance, and dynastic identity, possibly alluding to the Sultan himself or celestial protection over his reign.
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Reverse
Arabic inscription proclaiming:
“The Great Sultan, ʿIzz al-Dunyā wa’l-Dīn Kaykhusraw bin Kayqubād, struck at Qonya in the year six hundred and thirty-nine.”
The reverse emphasizes the Sultan’s political and religious titles, reinforcing his legitimacy as ruler of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rūm.
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Historical Significance
Kaykhusraw II ruled during a pivotal and turbulent period in Anatolia, marked by internal challenges and increasing pressure from Mongol expansion. Despite political instability, Seljuq coinage of this era stands out for its artistic boldness and symbolic depth.
The famous “lion and sun” motif seen on this dirham is among the most celebrated designs of Islamic medieval coinage, representing a rare fusion of political power, celestial imagery, and artistic expression.
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Why This Coin Matters
•Iconic lion and sun type, among the most famous Seljuq designs
•Struck at Konya, the Seljuq capital of Anatolia
•Exceptional example of medieval Islamic silver coinage
•Strong historical and symbolic significance
•Highly collectible and visually striking
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Included with This Coin
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective capsule or archival-quality holder
✔️ 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