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Khwarazmian Empire Silver/Billon Jital of Shah Muhammad – 1200–1220 AD – Ancient Islamic Coin

Khwarazmian Empire Silver/Billon Jital of Shah Muhammad – 1200–1220 AD – Ancient Islamic Coin

$135.00
SKU:
FR-312
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Khwarazmian Empire Silver/Billon Jital of Shah Muhammad – 1200–1220 AD – Ancient Islamic Coin

Sultan Ala ad-Din Muhammad II Khwarazm Shah Silver/Billon Jital (1200–1220 AD)

Own a remarkable piece of medieval Islamic history with this Silver/Billon Jital of Sultan Ala ad-Din Muhammad II, ruler of the powerful Khwarazmian Empire from 1200 to 1220 AD. Struck during the height of the empire's influence, this coin represents the reign of one of Central Asia's most powerful—and historically significant—rulers, whose decisions set the stage for one of history's most dramatic confrontations: the Mongol invasion led by Genghis Khan.

The Khwarazmian Empire reached its greatest territorial expansion under Shah Muhammad II, controlling vast regions across modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and parts of Iraq. At the height of his power, Muhammad II styled himself as the "Second Alexander" after defeating rival powers and expanding the Anushtegin dynasty's influence throughout Central Asia.

This authentic Jital denomination features traditional Arabic inscriptions on both sides, reflecting the Islamic coinage traditions of the medieval Persian and Central Asian world. Compact yet historically significant, these coins circulated throughout a major crossroads of trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.

Specifications

  • Ruler: Sultan Ala ad-Din Muhammad II (Shah Khwarazm)
  • Dynasty: Anushtegin Khwarazmian Dynasty
  • Empire: Khwarazmian Empire
  • Date: 1200–1220 AD
  • Denomination: Jital
  • Metal: Silver/Billon
  • Weight: 2.79 grams
  • Diameter: 15.6 mm
  • Obverse: Arabic legend
  • Reverse: Arabic legend

Historical Significance – The Shah Who Challenged Genghis Khan

Shah Muhammad II is remembered not only for building the Khwarazmian Empire into a dominant regional power, but also for the chain of events that brought the Mongol Empire into Central Asia.

In 1218, Genghis Khan attempted to establish peaceful trade relations by sending a large merchant caravan to the Khwarazmian city of Otrar. After the caravan was accused of espionage and executed, Genghis Khan sent envoys demanding justice and compensation. Shah Muhammad's response—executing the chief envoy and humiliating the others—was considered an unforgivable violation of diplomatic custom.

In response, Genghis Khan launched a massive invasion in 1219, sending a vast Mongol army into Central Asia. The cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Gurganj suffered devastating destruction, and the once-mighty Khwarazmian Empire collapsed. Shah Muhammad fled from the advancing Mongol forces and died in 1220 on an island in the Caspian Sea.

Why Collect This Coin?

  • Authentic medieval Islamic coin from the Khwarazmian Empire
  • Issued under Shah Muhammad II (1200–1220 AD)
  • Connected to one of history's greatest turning points—the rise of the Mongol Empire
  • Represents the height and fall of a powerful Central Asian dynasty
  • Early 13th-century coinage from a major Silk Road empire
  • Excellent addition to collections of Islamic, Central Asian, and medieval world coins
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