2021-03-19 Fri

Guyuk was the third Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, the eldest son of Ogedei Khan and a grandson of Genghis Khan. He reigned from 1246 to 1248. According to Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, Guyuk was of "medium stature, very prudent and extremely shrewd, and serious and sedate in his manners."

Guyuk was elected to the throne in 1246, partly through the manoeuvring of his mother. He was strongly influenced by Nestorianism, a form of Christianity considered heresy by Western Christians, and he favoured Christian advisers. His election to the throne embittered the conqueror of Russia, Batu, also a grandson of Genghis. Guyuk’s early death, however, prevented the dispute from tearing the Mongol Empire completely asunder.

Depicted here is the silver half dirham of Guyuk Khan with an unread legend on its obverse face. The reverse of a coin depicts Arabic La Ilaha Illa Allah.

Image Source: https://www.biddr.com/