Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, al-Andalus Mint, Spain

1163-1269 AD

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Almohad silver coins are among the most distinctive examples of medieval Islamic coinage. Their characteristic square shape and Arabic inscriptions reflect the religious identity of the Almohad Caliphate, which ruled much of North Africa and al-Andalus during the 12th and 13th centuries.

The Almohad movement originated in Morocco under the religious reformer Ibn Tumart. His followers, known as al-Muwahhidun, emphasised the unity of God. This message appears on their coinage through declarations of faith and references to al-Mahdi, the spiritual leader associated with Ibn Tumart.

Most Almohad square silver dirhams are anonymous and undated. “Anonymous” means that they do not name the reigning caliph; it does not necessarily mean that the mint is unknown. Some issues identify their place of production, providing valuable evidence for the monetary history of medieval Morocco and Islamic Spain.

The square dirham became a defining feature of Almohad currency, alongside smaller silver fractions and gold dinars. Its unusual shape distinguishes it from the round silver coins of many earlier Islamic dynasties. The precise reason for adopting this design remains uncertain.

Seville became a major Almohad centre in al-Andalus. The dynasty built the city’s great mosque, whose surviving minaret forms the historic core of the Giralda, and expanded the palace complex now known as the Real Alcázar.

In 1212 AD, the Almohad army suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa against the combined Christian forces of Castile, Aragon and Navarre. Political fragmentation and territorial losses followed, and Almohad rule in Morocco ended in 1269 AD. Their distinctive silver coinage nevertheless influenced later monetary traditions.

For collectors of medieval Islamic coins, Almohad square dirhams offer a tangible connection to the history of North Africa and al-Andalus. Their calligraphy, religious inscriptions and mint varieties make them a fascinating field of Islamic numismatics.

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ½ Dirham - Anonymous

Features and Specifications

Period	Middle Ages
Category	Coins
Material	Silver
Country	Islamic world

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Articles

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, al-Andalus Mint, Spain

1163-1269 AD

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Features and Specifications

Articles

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, al-Andalus Mint, Spain

1163-1269 AD

Related coins & artefacts

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ½ Dirham - Anonymous 1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ⅛ Dirham, Fez (Fès) Mint, Morocco 1163-1269 AD

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Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Córdoba, Spain, Very Rare 1163-1269 AD

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Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Sabta (Ceuta) - Rare 1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Seville (Ishbiliya) Mint, Spain, Rare 1163-1269 AD

AR Millarés, Christian Imitation of an Almohad Dirham (26-2705) 12th-13th century, undated

AR Millarés, Christian Imitation of an Almohad Dirham (26-2706) 12th-13th century, undated

Fatimid Caliphate, al-ʿAzīz bi-llāh Nizār, AR ½ Dirham 975-996 AD

Features and Specifications

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ½ Dirham - Anonymous
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ⅛ Dirham, Fez (Fès) Mint, Morocco
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ½ Dirham, Córdoba Mint, Very Rare
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square ¼ Dirham - Anonymous
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Anonymous
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Córdoba, Spain, Very Rare
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Fez (Fès) Mint
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Sabta (Ceuta) - Rare
1163-1269 AD

Almohad Caliphate, AR Square Dirham, Seville (Ishbiliya) Mint, Spain, Rare
1163-1269 AD

AR Millarés, Christian Imitation of an Almohad Dirham (26-2705)
12th-13th century, undated

AR Millarés, Christian Imitation of an Almohad Dirham (26-2706)
12th-13th century, undated

Fatimid Caliphate, al-ʿAzīz bi-llāh Nizār, AR ½ Dirham
975-996 AD