1 Dirhem

This piece of stamped glass was used to weigh Egyptian coins in the Fatimid Period (10th to 12th centuries). When ancient Egyptian coin makers made standardized coins, it was important that they make sure their products followed weight protocols, just like modern coin makers still do today. However, during the Fatimid period of ancient Egypt, metal coins were hand-minted, which made it harder to ensure that coins would weigh the accurate amount. Glass weights helped the makers check their work on prototypes. Sellers also used glass weights to check that they received the appropriate weight of metal for the amount of goods they sold.

To make these weights, the glass was stamped while molten, using an iron die. The text on the glass stamps usually bears the name of the ruler of the time or the official who ordered that the coins be made.