Drachma Silver
Is it true that, before the Islamic period, the Dirham constituted any silver currency, be it coinage or not?
http://www.iranica.com/articles/dirham says, “DIRHAM (< Gk. drakhmē´ “drachma”; Mid. Pers. drahm, Pers. derham), a unit of silver coinage AND of weight" and, in "ii. In the Islamic Period" section, "For Muslims in the classical period, ANY silver coin was a dirham, and a dirham was ALSO A MONETARY UNIT THAT MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT BE REPRESENTED BY A CIRCULATING COIN. A dirham was ALSO A SMALL WEIGHT UNIT, USUALLY NOT THE SAME AS THE WEIGHT OF A MONETARY DIRHAM".
If you can answer, would be very appreciated 
So basically what I mean is, was it not a specific coin or currency before the second caliph (Umar bin al-Khattab) made it official?
I found this on Wikipedia for you:
“Historically, the word “dirham” is derived from the name of a Greek coin, the Drachma (δραχμή); the Greek-speaking Byzantine Empire controlled the Levant and traded with Arabia, circulating the coin there in pre-Islamic times and afterward. It was this currency which was initially adopted as an Arab word; then near the end of the 7th century the coin became an Islamic currency bearing the name of the sovereign and a religious verse. “
Silver Drachma
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Athenian Ancient Coins $23.00 Coinage of Ancient Athens Athens was among the first Greek cities who cut their own coins. The silver mines at Lavrion had ample supplies of silver. The early coins had no inscriptions and bore only emblems. During the 6th century BC, Athenians struck their new tetradrachm with the head of their patron deity, goddess Athena on the observe and the Owl, the goddess’ sacred bird, the bird of wisdom, … |
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An essay on the Roman denarius and English silver penny,: Shewing their derivation from the Greek drachma of ÃÌgina, to which is appended a list of … likewise of medal engravers, with an addenda … |
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An essay on the Roman denarius and English silver penny electronic resource : shewing their derivation from the Greek drachma of Ã?gina, to which is appended a list of English and Scotch pennies, from the conquest, together with their several degrees of This book, “An essay on the Roman denarius and English silver penny electronic resource : shewing their derivation from the Greek drachma of Ã?gina, to which is appended a list of English and Scotch pennies, from the conquest, together with their several degrees of”, by Till, Willm. (William), is a replication of a book originally published before 1838. It has been restored by human beings, page … |
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Gorgeous 2-Toned Gold on Silver Greek Owl – Coin – Golf Ball Marker – Hat Clips $53.50 Each one of these very fine condition real 2 Drachma (U.S. quarter size) coins from Greece is first layered in pure Bright Silver. Then the figures of each are highlighted and brought to life with rich pure 24K Gold (this gold work is done by hand). This breathtaking and exclusive work turns these coin into stunning and true works of art. Each coin is hermetically sealed against wear in clear, har… |
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Gorgeous 2-toned 24k Gold on Sterling Silver World Coin Bolo Tie – Greek 2 Drachma Owl (Quarter Size) $89.99 Each one of these real coins from around the World is first layered in pure “Bright Silver”. Then the figures of each are highlighted and brought to life with rich pure 24K Gold (this gold work is done by hand). This breathtaking and exclusive work turns these coin into stunning and true works of art. Each coin is hermetically sealed “against wear” in clear, hard acrylic coating. . Each coin is ma… |