- "The Ivory Coin is an exclusive merchant's guild. They have a brooch that grants them access to certain places. [...] I hear only respected merchants are part of The Ivory Coin, and that you can only be invited by another member. They think their status gives them permission to take goods without coin."
- ―Basim Ibn Ishaq being informed about the Ivory Coin by a merchant, 860s.[src]-[m]
The Ivory Coin was a merchant guild based in Baghdad during the 9th century. It was exclusive to a few and those who held membership had increased benefits at The Bazaar in Karkh, where the yearly Da'irat Al-mal was held.
The head of the guild held the title of The Treasurer and held undisputed power over all commerce conducted at the Bazaar, while members were identified by a brooch with a dragon design .
History[]
By the 860s, the Ivory Coin was led by Ning, a Chinese merchant and secretly a member of the Order of the Ancients, who used her position as the Treasurer to control all trade in and out of Baghdad.[1]
During one particular Da'irat Al-mal, the Hidden One Basim Ibn Ishaq infiltrated the grand auction and acquired a precious Chinese hairpin sought by Ning. He then stole an Ivory Coin brooch left behind by one of its members, and using these two items, he was able to secure a meeting with Ning and ultimately assassinate her.[1]
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