Excerpt: The holy city of Makka (Mecca) sometimes came under the control of the Fatimids, although they only seldom struck coins there. The sale includes a unique example quoted by Norman Nicol, author of the internationally recognised reference work on Fatimid numismatics. Minted there in 380h (990AD), it is estimated at £50,000-70,000. There is no evidence that ruling Caliph Al-‘Aziz himself had any direct involvement with Makka in this year, although it was certainly a significant one for the Fatimid state. The celebrated Vizier Ya`qub b. Kilis died that year and was much mourned, while construction of the great mosque of Bab al-Futuh was also started.
Ismailimail 