Silver 1/2 Shahi of Ismail I

Ismail I was the founder and first shah of Safavid Iran, ruling from 1501 until his death in 1524. The dynasty founded by Ismail I would rule for over two centuries, being one of the greatest Iranian empires and at its height being amongst the most powerful empires of its time. His reign is often considered the beginning of modern Iranian history and one of the most vital in the history of Iran. Ismail I was responsible for reviving Iran as an economic stronghold between East and West, he was also a prolifi c poet who, under the pen name Khaṭāʾī, contributed greatly to the literary development of the Azerbaijani language. These silver ½ Shahi coins feature beautiful calligraphy typical of the period with the name Shah Ismail in a cartouche on the obverse. Now over 500 years old, they are offered in Good Very Fine condition but in very limited numbers.