Abbasid Caliphate, al-Muqtadir, AR Dirham - al-Rāfiqa Mint, AH 297

Al-Muqtadir bi-llah (895–932 AD) was the eighteenth Abbasid caliph, ruling from Baghdad between 908 and 932 AD, with brief interruptions. He became caliph at a young age, and his reign was marked by court rivalries, financial difficulties and the growing influence of military commanders. His silver dirhams often name his son and designated heir, Abu'l-'Abbas, the future caliph al-Radi.

The Abbasid Dynasty overthrew the Umayyads in 750 AD and established Baghdad as its capital in 762 AD. Under Abbasid rule, the city became a major centre of trade, science, literature, and scholarship during the Islamic Golden Age. Although their political power declined over time, the Abbasids retained the Caliphate in Baghdad until the Mongol conquest in 1258 AD. A later branch held a largely ceremonial Caliphate in Cairo until 1517 AD. Abbasid silver dirhams have been found in Viking Age treasure hoards, reflecting the long-distance movement of Islamic silver into northern Europe.