A Seven-Figure Umayyad Gold Dinar Takes Center Stage at Triton XXIX

An extraordinary survivor from the early Islamic world now commands attention as bidding accelerates for Classical Numismatic Group’s Triton XXIX auction. Importantly, the sale concludes on January 14, 2026, and it features one of the rarest Islamic gold coins ever offered publicly.

At the heart of the auction stands an Umayyad gold dinar dated AH 105 (A.D. 724). Certified AU 50 by NGC, the coin carries a presale estimate of $1 million. However, its importance extends far beyond its grade. Instead, this dinar represents a defining moment in Islamic numismatic history.

A Coin Struck During the Umayyad Golden Age

This remarkable dinar was struck late in the Umayyad Caliphate, which ruled from A.D. 661 to 750. During that time, the dynasty controlled an empire stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to Central Asia. As a result, Umayyad coinage became a powerful tool of both governance and religious expression.

Most scholars attribute this issue to the reign of Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, who had only recently come to power. Notably, his rule would last nearly 20 years and mark a period of administrative stability. Consequently, coins struck during his reign often reflect a mature and confident monetary system.

The First Islamic Coin to Name the Hijaz

What truly elevates this dinar is its unprecedented inscription. Specifically, it is the first known Islamic coin to mention the Hijaz by name.

Today, the Hijaz forms part of Saudi Arabia and includes Mecca and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam. For that reason alone, the coin holds enormous cultural and religious significance. Moreover, it provides tangible evidence of early Islamic state authority tied directly to sacred geography.

The key inscription appears in the lower three lines of the reverse. It reads:

Ma‘din Amir al-Mu’minin bi’l-Hijaz
“Mine of the Commander of the Faithful, in the Hijaz.”

Meanwhile, the surrounding marginal legend records the date of issue. It translates as:
“In the name of Allah was struck this dinar in the year five and one hundred.”

Together, these inscriptions firmly connect political power, religious legitimacy, and gold production.

Extreme Rarity Confirmed by the Historical Record

The rarity of this dinar cannot be overstated. According to the most recent census (Vardanyan, 2022), only nine specimens are known today. Even more striking, only two examples have ever appeared at public auction.

Both of those coins achieved extraordinary prices and now reside in institutional collections. Their auction history set a clear benchmark:

• Morton & Eden, London, Auction 46 (April 4, 2011), Lot 12
  £3.1 million hammer ($6,000,000 including buyer’s premium)
• Morton & Eden, London, Auction 103 (October 24, 2019), Lot 11
  £3.1 million hammer ($4,780,000 including buyer’s premium)

Importantly, the Triton XXIX specimen was struck from the same pair of dies as the 2011 example. As a result, it occupies a secure and well-documented place within this elite group.

Why This Dinar Matters

Coins from the so-called “Mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hijaz” rank among the most important issues of early Islamic numismatics. They matter because they:

• Represent the earliest Islamic coins to name a location in modern Saudi Arabia
• Demonstrate direct caliphal control of gold production
• Rank among the rarest medieval gold coins known

For collectors, institutions, and scholars alike, this dinar offers a rare convergence of history, faith, and monetary authority.

The Highlight of Triton XXIX

Although Triton XXIX includes a wide array of exceptional ancient and medieval coins, this Umayyad dinar clearly leads the auction. Its rarity, documentation, and historical weight set it apart. Consequently, it stands as one of the most important numismatic offerings of the year.

With bidding already underway, attention will remain firmly fixed on this lot as the January 14 closing date approaches.

Auction Information

Auction House: Classical Numismatic Group
Auction: Triton XXIX
Lot: 975
Coin: Umayyad Gold Dinar, AH 105 (A.D. 724)
Grade: NGC AU 50
Estimate: $1,000,000
Auction Close: January 14, 2026