Northern Iraq, Zengid Dynasty, Qutb ad-Din Mawdud, Dirham AH 555

The Zengids were a powerful dynasty based in Mosul. Their coins are of a particular interest as they were not designed purely inscriptional but, unlike most other Islamic coins, bore images. The obverse of this dirham shows a bust with two Victories above; they hold palm branches in their hands. The Cufic inscription on the reverse gives the names and titles of the issuer, Emir Qutb ad-Din Mawdud (1149-1170).