Early Islamic coins
The pohon pitis, or coin tree from Kelantan, was cast in a wooden mould similar to those the Chinese used for copper coinage. Coins were broken off the 'tree' and the branches were melted down for reuse.
Ever since coins were invented in the first millennium BCE, they have been recognized as guarantees of payment to their owners. Rulers of countries and cities have used coins to make known and celebrate their power and achievements. Coins of the Islamic tradition differ from those of the Western world, which often bear a ruler's portrait, because Islam prohibits anthropomorphic designs.
- Information in the full article includes
- Coins as historical markers
- Islamic inscriptions
- Production methods
- Coin distribution