A fragment of an Arabic silver dirham found near Brampton, Lincolnshire. (c) Portable Antiquities Scheme, CC BY-SA 2.0
Description
Arabic Silver Dirham Fragment (SWYOR-1AE8AA)
A fragment of an Arabic silver dirham found near Brampton, Lincolnshire
This silver dirham fragment does not provide enough information to determine the ruler or moneyer but it seems to be from the seventh to ninth century. The dirham was a unit of weight used across North Africa, the Middle East, and Persia, with varying values which also referred to the type of coins used in the Middle East during the Viking Age. These coins were extremely prized possessions not only for their silver value but as a way of displaying one’s wealth and vast trade connections. Millions of Arabic dirhams would have been imported throughout the Viking world and are mostly found in hoards.
