Fatimid Dinar Dated 364 A.H. Discovered in Qurh Site, Al Ula Governorate, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In Excavation Season XIV in 2017 at Qurh by the Department of Archaeology, College of Tourism and Archaeology, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, a rare gold dinar was found, minted in Egypt in 364 A.H. (975 A.D.) by Al-Mu‘izz li-Din Allah. The dinar was discovered in square C17, area 3, Qurh (Almabiat) site. It was numbered 27 in the archaeological registry. Square C17 is an architectural extension of the excavation squares C18, C19, C20, D17, D18, D19, and D20. The dinar is the first discovered gold coin in the excavation seasons that began in 2005 at the site. The findings of Qurh are varied in terms of material, manufacturing technology, and provenance. Thus, they include local and imported artifacts. Examining the gold dinar showed a thick layer of dust and calcifications on the surface. The present study tackles the scientific method of examining the gold dinar, diagnosis of deterioration products and causes, stages of restoration and conservation, and analysis of the inscriptions on the reverse and obverse after restoration.