Investigating the Importance of the City of Estarabad During Shah Ismail I’s Reign through the Examination of Surcharge Coins in the Astan Quds Razavi Museum

Abstract
This research primarily aims to explore the political activities of the city of Estarabad and their repercussions in Greater Khorasan, utilizing archaeological and numismatic analyses, particularly focusing on the surcharge coins minted in Estarabad. The methodology employed is descriptive-analytical and historical, with a specific emphasis on numismatics. Data was gathered through extensive library research and a visit to the Astan Quds Razavi Museum, where a direct examination of the coins was conducted. The investigation was carried out in two phases: initially, the authors compiled essential information and evidence by reviewing relevant historical, geographical, and artistic literature, followed by a direct exploration of the coin collection at the Astan Quds Razavi Museum, which included 12 surcharge coins identified by their museum numbers, as the following: Surcharge 673; Row 164; S 778; R 7; S 778; R 8; S 778; R 12; S 778; R 13; S 778; R 15; S 778; R 18; S 778; R 19; S 778; R 20; S 778; R 24; S 778; R 25; S 778; R 27). Data sourced from the Astan Quds Razavi Museum was utilized for a descriptive-analytical study. The analysis demonstrated that the minting of surcharge coins in Estarabad was largely a response to the unstable political conditions in Khorasan and adjacent border areas. The primary objective of producing these coins was to publicly declare changes in leadership in Khorasan by Shah Ismail I and to mitigate the risk of ongoing civil unrest.
Keywords: Coins, Safavieh, Shah Ismail I, Estarabad, Surcharge. 
 
Introduction
The Safavid era represents a pivotal chapter in Iranian history, commencing with the ascension of Shah Ismail I in 907 AH. This era, shaped by Shah Ismail’s strategic initiatives, facilitated the establishment of a unified government in Iran and the extension of its territorial boundaries. A cornerstone of Shah Ismail’s governance was the integration of religion and state, marked by the official endorsement of Shia Islam. Prominent Shia religious centers, such as Estarabad, along with their intellectuals, swiftly recognized Shah Ismail’s authority, contributing to the consolidation of his rule and evolving into influential cultural and political hubs. These centers were instrumental in safeguarding the region’s autonomy and stability. Nevertheless, this religious alignment incited opposition from Sunni neighboring states, culminating in conflicts such as the Battle of Merv and the Battle of Ghojdavan in the Khorasan area. As illustrated in Fig. 1, Estarabad, a border city in Khorasan situated along the Silk Road, was perpetually vulnerable to incursions by Uzbek forces. The Qizilbash’s defense of this city effectively curtailed potential invasions from the Uzbeks into Khorasan and northern Iran. In response, Shah Ismail I aimed to bolster the region’s defenses by deploying the Qizilbash and appointing local governors. This strategy led the Qizilbash to not only participate in military endeavors but also to take on significant political and economic responsibilities, particularly in the realm of taxation. The leaders of the Qizilbash were instrumental in determining tax policies for each region, which in turn influenced the quality and minting of currency. Changes in taxation had direct repercussions on the daily lives of the populace and the overall economic landscape. Notably, inflation in certain areas sparked public unrest and uprisings, which were closely tied to the fluctuations in coin minting practices. Estarabad emerged as a key center for coin production during this era, and the variations in minted coins from this city reflect the broader economic and political shifts of the time. Thus, numismatics serves as a reliable lens through which the historical significance of Estarabad can be evaluated.
 
Discussion
Coins serve as a significant resource in the study of economic history, as their quantity, weight, and trade value, along with their relationship to the prices of goods, contribute to essential socio-economic analyses. During this period, the weights of coins in Estarabad differed from those in other regions, typically being heavier than those found in various parts of Iran. The currency utilized in the Estarabad area included “Kopki dinars” in the year 920 AH, where five dinars equated to one “mesqal” of minted silver. Between 920 and 938 AH, a decline in the value of the Kopki dinar was observed over an 18-year span. Consequently, the abrupt decrease in the weight of silver coins in 927 AH, along with the introduction of surcharge coins, indicates underlying historical factors that prompted these alterations. During the reign of Shah Ismail, the taxation policies of various regions were largely determined by the governors of those states, leading to significant variations in coinage across different areas. This disparity had a profound effect on the daily lives of the populace and the overall economic landscape. Consequently, inflationary pressures in certain regions prompted public unrest and riots. Additionally, surcharge coins are typically produced by striking new designs over the coins of the preceding administration in times of economic distress. Notably, the coins examined in this study bear surcharge marks on those minted during Shah Ismail’s rule. Such coins were not produced during periods of economic stability, and their analysis is crucial for understanding the underlying economic dynamics. Therefore, the initial focus should be on investigating the political and economic conditions of the time, particularly the significance of Estarabad during Shah Ismail’s governance. A comparative analysis of numismatic evidence will facilitate the interpretation of the motivations behind the issuance of surcharge coins.
 
Conclusions
The findings of the research indicate that the surcharge mark on the reverse side of the coin is positioned at the bottom of the Shahadatain or in proximity to the mint’s name. This mark typically adheres to a specific format and frame, signifying the government’s official minting of this coin type. These coins are characterized by their small diameter, low weight, and overall poor quality. Additionally, the inscriptions “Adl Shah” and “Adl Ismail” serve as indicators of coinage following the Qizilbash summit and the transition of rulers. The minting of the Surcharge coin, dated 927 and produced at the Estarabad mint, can be attributed to several factors, including: 1- The unsuccessful Uzbek attack from Herat to Khorasan, 2- Internal rebellions among the populace, 3- A reduction in taxes aimed at pacifying the people and an internal increase in taxes through the collection of royalties, 4- The collection of royalties for political purposes, 5- The change in the ruler of Khorasan to mitigate local disobedience, and 6- Estarabad’s strategic location on the Silk Road, which facilitated the silk trade and garnered public support. These elements collectively underscored the significant political importance of Estarabad during the reign of Shah Ismail I.