The title of Imam al-Zaman, Khalifat al-Rahman, recorded on the silver coins of Muhammad Shaybani Khan and its political implications (905-916 AH/1499-1510 AD)

        Islamic coinage is a rich record filled with titles, epithets, and appellations given to rulers, sultans, and princes throughout Islamic history. This makes Islamic coins a significant source for studying the history and evolution of titles in Islamic civilization across its various eras. Notably, many of these titles are not mentioned in historical sources, making the coins the only material evidence of rulers being known by these titles. Additionally, the coins often include the date of their minting, which helps to clarify the period during which the rulers adopted these titles and explain the reasons behind them in light of contemporary circumstances. The meanings of these titles also varied in terms of religious, sectarian, political, and social connotations. Therefore, interpreting the reasons for inscribing these titles on coins in the context of contemporary events is crucial for shedding light on the changes within the state that led its rulers to adopt these specific titles. Moreover, the importance of Islamic coins lies in correcting some of the titles mentioned in historical sources, including the name of the title, the ruler who held it, or the time it was assumed.
This study examines a unique title"Imam al-Zaman Khalifat al-Rahman" inscribed on the silver coins of Abu al-Fath Muhammad Shaybani Khan, the founder of the Shaybanid dynasty and one of its most significant rulers. It is worth noting that this title had not been previously inscribed on the coins of any ruler in the Islamic state—according to the findings of this study—making it a new addition to Islamic coinage in general and specifically to the coinage of the Shaybanid dynasty.