The Islamic section begins with an important collection of Umayyad Silver Dirhams. Among the rarities in this group are three extremely rare Dirhams: Bihqubadh al-Asfal AH 90; Bahrusir AH 97; and al-Jazira AH 95. Other Umayyad rarities include Dirhams of Maysan AH 96; Herat AH 99 and the extra circle variety of al-Andalus AH 111. An Abbasid section follows, highlighted by an apparently unpublished Dirham of Ramhormuz AH 135 in high-grade. Tiesenhausen, and recently, Steve Album, in his Second Checklist, note AH 134 as the only known year for Abbasid Dirhams of this mint.

Central Asia is also highlighted in the Islamic section with a good selection of Silver and Copper coins of the Qarakhanids and Samanids. A number of other dynasties are also represented in the sale in Gold, Silver and AE.

The European section features good offerings of Gold (hammered and struck), Greek, Lithuanian, Latvian and Polish coins. This is followed by the Russian section, numbering some 260 lots.

Russia' s earliest coins, appropriately open this section. Offered are three Great Kievan Srebrennik; two of Vladimir I, the Great, 980-1015, depicting the Prince enthroned and his personal tamgha (symbol); and one of Sviatopolk, Ca. 1015. These historically important coins feature the earliest record of Russian writing and depiction of rulers, and are almost never offered for sale. Thus, this represents a unique opportunity for the advanced Russian collector.

A wide array of Russian numismatica in all three metals, from Grivna and Poltina ingot Silver and an extensive group of Peter the Great`s coinage to Revolutionary, medals and decorations follows. The offerings are marked by rarities, and high-grade specimens. Some of the highlights include: a lovely Novodel 4 Ducats of Michael Feodorovich with a unicorn and St. George on the breast of the double-headed eagles (obverse and reverse); a Choice Leberecht Pattern 1806 Rouble; an extremely rare Novodel Pattern 1827 Rouble in uncirculated; and an important Medallic Gold 1859 Rouble for the Nicholas I Monument.

Profusely illustrated sale catalogs (illustrating nearly all lots) are available for $25 (refundable on any purchase).

For further information, please contact: 718-332-4248; fax: 718-332-8676; or write: DMITRY MARKOV COINS & MEDALS, P.O Box 950, New York, NY 10272.