Dirhams struck in the name of Qaidu in Khorasan: a new source on the history of monetary circulation in Central Asia in the late thirteenth century

Abstract

Research objectives: An introduction to the scientific circulation of the coins of Khorasan with legends written in Preclassical Mongol, containing the names of Qaidu (c. 1235/36-1301), the grandson of Ögödei Qa’an, as well as Qaidu’s son, Oros. Research materials: Five silver dirhams are studied. One coin is clearly dated to 690/1291, while three other specimens are specifically related to the production of the Marw mint. The fifth specimen bears the mint name of Marw and Qaidu’s tamgha. Results and novelty of the research: The conclusion is made that the appearance of these coins at the mint belonging to the Hülegüids is associated with the rebellion of the Ilkhanid amir Nawruz and the invasion of Qaidu and his ally, the Chaghatayid khan, Duwa, into Khorasan in 690 A.H. (1291). The legends provide additional information to supplement written records on this invasion and the subsequent short-term occupation of Khorasan by Qaidu’s troops.