Imam Baqir (pbuh) and introduction of new Islamic coins

During the First Century Hijrah, the paper industry was controlled by
the Romans. The Egyptians learned how to make paper from the Romans
and they produced it exactly as the Romans didby marking the currency
notes with symbols of Christianity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Abdul Malik Marwan noticed these symbols and was enraged, that Egypt,
being a Muslim country used these markings. He at once wrote to his
delegates in Egypt instructing them touse the slogan of monotheism in
all their correspondence. Papers with the monotheism mark upon it were
circulated and reached the cities of Rome. Caesar, the King of Rome,
wrote letters to Abdul Malik warning and threatening him that if he
did not evade that mark he would issue orders to produce coins with
abusive language about the Holy Prophet Mohummad (saw).
This worried Abdul Malik and he immediately called a meeting and
consulted with his advisors, but to no result.One of those present
suggested that they seek the assistance of Imam Baqir (pbuh). Abdul
Malikagreed ordered that Imam Baqir (pbuh) be brought honorably and
respectfully from Madina to Syria.
When Imam Baqir (pbuh)reached Syria they reported the matter to him.
Imam Baqir (pbuh) said, "Caesar has frightened you, but he will
actually not do it. Thesolution to this is that you place orders to
produce a coin with the chapter of Tawheed on one face and name of
theHoly Prophet Mohummad(saw) on the other. In this way we will not
needthe Roman coins any longer." Then he gave the explanation about
the weight and size of the coin. Then he said,"Engrave the name of
thecity where the coin is made and the year of its production upon
it."
Abdul Malik agreed that this was an excellent ideaand followed the
orders of Imam Baqir (pbuh) and sent notices to all theIslamic cities
to inform them that all business affairs should take place with the
new coins, and that the Roman coins were invalid. Whosoever possessed
them could exchange them for new Islamic coins. Then he informed a
delegate of Caesar about what had been done and sent him back. Caesar
was informed about new Islamic coins. His courtiers demanded that he
act as per his threat. But he replied, "That is now a futile thing to
do because, the Roman coinsare not used in the Islamic cities
anymore."
Our 5th Imam, Imam Baqir (pbuh) thus put a constraint upon the
influence of imperialism and the destructive plans of the imperialists
of thattime.
Moral: We should learn what our Imams (as) have taught us. They always
know what to do.