New coins were introduced in Jerusalem immediately after the Arab conquest of the city. This copper coin is probably the first to be minted in Jerusalem under Muslim rule (it is only presumed that it was minted in Jerusalem, as the place is not engraved on the coin itself). Apparently this coin was minted prior to the issue of a series of coins during the Umayyad period. On one side of the coin is the inscription “Muhammad, Messenger of God,” and on the obverse is a five-branched candelabrum. This candelabrum probably has no connection with Jewish practice, but rather seems to be an early Muslim motif, prior to the city becoming sanctified in the Islamic religion.

By: Carta Jerusalem Language: English Print size: 8.97 x 17.34 cm, 3.53 x 6.83 inches 150 dpi - 292 kB