Note 460 — KAMAR AL-ZAMAN AND THE JEWELLER’S WIFE.[375] (continued 2)

I would remind the reader that the Dinár is the golden denarius (or solidus) of Eastern Rome while the Dirham is the silver denarius, whence denier, danaro, dínheiro, etc., etc. The oldest dinars date from A. H. 91–92 (= 714–15) and we find the following description of one struck in A. H. 96 by Al-Walid the VI. Ommiade:—

Obverse. Area. “There is no iláh but Allah: He is one: He hath no partner.”

Circle. “Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah who hath sent him with the true Guidance and Religion that he manifest it above all other Creeds.”

Reverse. Area. “Allah is one: Allah is Eternal: He begetteth not, nor is He begot.”

Circle. “Bismillah: This Dinar was struck anno 96.”

See “’Ilâm-en-Nas” (warnings for Folk) a pleasant little volume by Mr. Godfrey Clarke (London, King and Co., 1873), mostly consisting of the minor tales from The Nights, especially this group between Nights ccxlvii. and cdlxi.; but rendered valuable by the annotations of my old friend, the late Frederick Ayrton.