This previously unrecorded Abbasid donative coin was a special issue struck by the caliph al-Mu‘tazz in 254 H (868 AD), and was quite unlike his official silver coinage. This was entirely conventional in its use of the religious legends drawn from the Holy Qur‘an, first used on al-Ma’mun’s reform coinage in 198 H (813-814 AD), when he became caliph after defeating his half-brother al-Amin.

It followed the standardised practice of the Abbasid second period coins that were introduced by al-Ma’mun’s successor, al-Mu‘tasim, in 218 H (833 AD) with the caliph’s name, together with the mint name and date.

The only clue to the artistic life of this time is found in variations in the style of Kufic script used for the legends engraved on the dies. As always, the ’ulama (religious scholars) made sure that no depictions of animal life appeared in public view.

Behind the scenes, however, the lives of the rich, in particular those of the ruler and his court, were concealed from the public gaze and censor. What went on in the harem was private and exempt from public examination. It is clear that this piece was struck as a special issue for the caliph to give to his wives and concubines.

Al-Mu‘tazz was a young man in his early twenties who, having killed off his brothers to ensure his own accession to the caliphate, was eager to beget progeny of his own. Both the quail and the rabbit are known for their fecundity and the large number of offspring they produce.

This coin was probably seen as an inducement and reward for the ladies who were to give the caliph sons to add to his sense of security. In the event, however, al-Mu‘tazz died without male issue, for he was deposed and murdered in the following year, 255 H (869 AD).