From the 3rd century to the 8th century C.E., the Caucasus experienced numerous changes in rule, each ruler bringing new coinage to the area. The Sassanid Persian Empire struck silver dirhams in Nakhichevan, a modern exclave of Azerbaijan, in the late 3rdcentury C.E. Byzantine silver was introduced into the area in the 5th century C.E. In the 7thcentury the Umayyad Caliphate minted gold and copper coins.
Azerbaijan’s
historic coinage reflects the nation's complex political history, from
ancient times to the modern day. At the historic crossroads between Europe,
Asia, and the Middle East, the design and format of Azerbaijani coins and
currency have been greatly influenced by frequent invasions and political
upheaval in the region. Hellenic, Roman, Parthian, Persian, Arabic, Turkic,
and Russian influences can be seen throughout nearly 3,000 years of coinage.
Today, Azerbaijan’s coinage reflects the diverse history and culture of
the country.
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