2018-08-09 Thu

Larin (or fish hook money or hairpin money) are pieces of silver wire bent double and stamped with dies. The name Larin is originated from the city of Lar in Iran where they first struck. The main issuers of them were the Safavid dynasty of Iran.

The Safavid dynasty was one of the most significant ruling dynasties of Iran, often considered the beginning of modern Iranian history. The Safavid Shahs ruled over one of the Gunpowder Empires. They established the Twelver school of Shia Islam as the official religion of the empire.

This silver 'Larin' or 'fish-hook' money, depicted beside is of the best example which struck under the Safavids. The obverse has Shi'ite Shahada but the impression on the reverse is truncated so full attribution cannot be made.

This beautiful Larin is listed at INR 3000 at Classical Numismatic Gallery.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery