Classical Numismatics Discussion Members' Coin Collection Photo Gallery

Last additions - mitresh

ISLAMIC, Delhi Sultanate, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, AV DinarDelhi Sultanate, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, AV Dinar, 10.9g, In the name of Caliph al-Mustakfi, Daulatabad mint, AH 745 / 1345 AD, Ref: GG D-425

Obv: fi zaman al-imam al-mustakfi billah amir al-mu'minin abu' rabi sulaiman khallada allah khilafatahu
(In the time/reign of the Caliph al-Mustakfi billah, Commander of the Faithful, Father of the Victorious, May God Perpetuate his Kingdom)
Rev: duriba hadha al-dinar al-khalifati fi daulatabad shahr sana kham'sa wa arba'oun wa sa'bamia
(was struck this Dinar of the Caliphate in the city of Daulatabad in the year five and forty and seven hundred)

The coins Muhammad Bin Tughlaq (MBT) struck in the name of Abbasid caliphs of Egypt instead of his own name are called the Khilafat or Caliphate issues. Just as the Prophet is the viceregent of God and the Caliph is the viceregent of the Prophet, the monarch is viceregent of the Caliph. No Muslim king could hold the title of Sultan unless there be a covenant between him and the Caliph. The recognition of the supremacy of the Caliph was therefore paramount.

In AH 740 / 1339 AD ie the later part of his rule, MBTs reign was faltering with the Delhi Sultanate facing multiple rebellions across the country. In the south, MBT had lost control of the Deccan with both Vijayanagar Kingdom and Bahamani Sultanate established independent of Delhi Sultanate's control. Besides loss of territory and the fragmentation of the Sultanate, MBT was also struck with doubt about the legitimacy of his reign. MBT therefore sought out the whereabouts of the Caliph and did not rest content until he had made the discovery of the presence of the Abbasid Caliph Al-Mustakfi in exile at Cairo, and applied to him for royal investiture. However, unknown to MBT, the Caliph al-Mustakfi had died in that very same year ie AH 740. Meanwhile, anticipating such investiture and to reflect his subservience to the Caliph, MBT struck Gold Dinars in the name of Caliph al-Mustakfi Billah in AH 741. Four years after Caliph al-Mustakfi's death, when the new Caliph al-Hakim II’s envoy reached MBT conveying him with the Caliphal edict, robe of honour and conferring him the title of nasir amir al-mu'minin, MBT at once struck coins in the name of al-Hakim.

MBTs religious devotion to the Caliph and emotional behaviour towards the Caliph's envoys were so ludicurous as to call forth a contemptuous comment from the contemporary chronicler Ziyauddin Barani. So great was the faith of the Sultan in the Abbasid Khalifas, says he, that he would have sent all his treasures in Delhi to Egypt, had it not been for the fear of robbers. But the Sultan must have sent a substantial amount, because when Ghiyasuddin, who was only a descendant of the extinct Caliphal house of Baghdad, visited India, Muhammad's bounty knew no bounds. He gave him a million tanka's (400,000 dinars), the fief of Kanauj, and the fort of Siri, besides such valuable articles as gold and silver wares, pages and slave girls. One thousand dinars were given for head-wash, a bath-tub of gold, and three robes on which in place of knots or buttons there were pearls as large as big hazel nuts. If this was given to a scion of a house which had become defunct, how much more was sent to the living Caliph at Cairo can only be surmised.

As can be expected on Caliphate issues, great care and attention was taken in the style and design of these coins as these reflected the high reverence, esteem and devotion of MBT towards the Caliph. The calligraphy on the coin is exquisite and breath takingly beautiful. The date on the coin (AH 745) indicates this was the last year when Gold Dinar's were struck in the name of Caliph al-Mustakfi Billah as soon thereafter, following the arrival of Caliph's envoy and confirmation of death of Caliph al-Mustakfi, coins were struck in the name of the new Caliph, al-Hakim. Although the coin legend states the coin as a dinar, the weight standard is that of a tanka. The Gold Dinar's in the name of Caliph al-Mustakfi Billah were struck from only 2 mints - Daulatabad and Dehli, with Daulatabad issue classified as Rare by Goron & Goenka.
mitreshJun 25, 2014

INDIA, Satavahana Empire, Silver DrachmAncient India, Satavahana Empire, Vasithiputa Shiva Sri Pulumavi, 102-130 AD, Silver Drachm, 2.39g

1 commentsmitreshJun 25, 2014

India, Medieval Hindu Kingdom, ca. 10-12 Century AD, Gold FanamMedieval Hindu Kingdom, Shilaharas of Karad, 1050-1212 AD, Gold Fanam, 0.41g, U-shape, "Running Garuda" typemitreshMar 03, 2014

ISLAMIC, Delhi Sultanate, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, AV DinarDelhi Sultanate, Muhammed bin Tughlaq, Gold Tanka, 10.99g, AH 734, mintless, "fi-zaman al-sa'id al-shahid tughlaq" type, GG D-345

OBVERSE
within a multiple ornate pentagon border of arches and pelleted dots within arches:
duriba fi-zaman al-'abd al-raji rahmat allah muhammad bin (tughlaq)
"struck in the time of the servant hoping for the mercy of Allah Muhammad bin (Tughlaq)"

REVERSE:
al-sultan al- sa'id al-shahid tughlaq shah sana ar'ba wa thalathin wa sab‘mi’a
“The Sultan The Fortunate The Testifier Tughlaq Shah (struck this coin in) the year four and thirty and seven hundred”mitreshMar 02, 2014

ISLAMIC, Delhi Sultanate, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, AV DinarDelhi Sultanate, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, 1325-51 AD, Gold Tanka, 11.04g, Hadrat Dehli, dated AH 734 / 1334 AD, fi-ahd type, GG D-347

OBVERSE

within a circle: wa allah / al-ghani wa antum / al-fuqara
“and God is the rich one and ye are the poor”
Sura 47, v. 38 (in part)

REVERSE

within circle: fi ‘ahd / muhammad ibn / tughluq
“in the time of Muhammad bin Tughluq"

Margin
bi-hadrat dehli sana ar'ba wa thalathin wa sab‘mi’a
“in Venerable Dehli the year four and thirty and seven hundred”mitreshMar 02, 2014

GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Alexander III the Great, TetradrachmGreece, Alexander III 'The Great' of Macedon, Silver Tetradrachm, 17.23g, Babylon mint, struck ca 317-311 BC
2 commentsmitreshFeb 19, 2014

GREEK, Attica, Athens, "New Style" TetradrachmGreece, Attica, Athens, 122 BC, Silver Tetradrachm, 29mm, 16.73g

mitreshFeb 19, 2014

GREEK, Attica, Athens, Owl TetradrachmGreece, Attica, Athens, "Athenian Owl" Tetradrachm, 25 mm, 17.14g, 454-404 BC

Please also see the wonderful and comprehensive write up on the "Athenian Owl" at the link below:
http://athenianowlcoins.reidgold.com/mitreshFeb 19, 2014

GREEK, Macedonian Kingdom, Lysimachos, Drachm, ThraceGreece, Kings of Thrace, Lysimachos, 305-281 BC, Silver Drachm, 19mm, 4.05g, Lampsakos mint1 commentsmitreshFeb 19, 2014

GREEK, Mysia, Pergamon, Cistophoric TetradrachmGreece, Mysia, Pergamon, Cistophoric Tetradrachm, 12.57g, 28mm, 166-67 BC, issued 76 BC

Obv: Cista Mystica containing serpent escaping, all within an ivy wreath.

Rev: Bow case between 2 serpents. Pergamon monogram at left. Snake entwined Asklepian staff at right. "AP" above.

Near the West coast of present day Turkey, Pergamon, in the province of Mysia, was an insignificant city under the Persian empire. After Alexander the Great died, his bodyguard "Lysimachus" was given Thrace and north western Asia. After the battle of Ipsus "Lysimachus" secured Alexander's treasury worth over 25,000 talents. Pergamon was located in a natural fortress and "Lysimachus" strengthened the city and deposited his Asian treasure (9000 talents) in the city along with a military guard under his loyal follower "Philetaerus". "Lysimachus" died in 281 BC and Pergamon officially fell under Seulcid control. "Philetaerus" played the part of a faithful governor, but all the time he used the money to strengthen the city's defenses and founded the Attalid dynasty of the kingdom of "Pergamon". The kingdom successfully withstood attempts by Seulicid rulers to regain control. In 190 BC, Pergamon assisted the Romans to defeat Antiochus III of Syria. At this time, Rome had no territorial desires in Asia and they gave all the territories to Pergamon. Pergamon prospered and soon ranked as one of the major Greek cultural centers. Pergamon's library ranked second only to the library of Alexandria. But, to Rome's surprize the Pergamon King Attalus III (138 - 133 BC) gave the kingdom to Rome upon his death in 133 BC. During the confusion a certain "Aristonicus" seized the throne and changed his name to "Eumenes III". This forced the Romans to intervene and they seized the kingdom and made it the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

Pergamon first issued this coin under Eumenes II, who likely required a new currency after the treaty with Apameia in 188 BC expanded his economic and political territory. The new coinage is the first time a king’s portrait and name are omitted from Hellenistic currency. The cistophori (basket bearers) were the chief currency in Asia Minor for about 300 years. Originally introduced by king Eumenes II of Pergamon around 166 BCE, the obverse of these coins shows a cista mystica, i.e., a woven basket containing the sacred objects of a mystery cult. In the case of the cistophori, the basket contains snakes associated with the worship of Dionysus (Bacchus), the Greek god of wine and ecstasy. In the Dionysian mysteries a serpent, representing the god, was carried in a box called a cista on a bed of vine leaves. This may be the Cista mentioned by Clement of Alexandria which was exhibited as containing the phallus of Dionysus. The depiction on this famous type is what gives the coin its name - the Cistophorus. It was one of the most widely minted coin types in the ancient world. It seems that the Asian Greek states in what is now Turkey minted this coin in unison from around 150 BC. Some scholars believe this was undertaken for the common good, so traders could be confident in a coin of uniform weight and value, representing the collective wealth of Asian Greekdom.

The ivy wreath and the thyrsos staff on the reverse are also references to this god whom the Attalid kings of Pergamon claimed as their ancestor. The bow case (gorytos) on the reverse points to Herakles, the father of Telephos, the legendary founder and first king of Pergamon. Taken together, the obverse and reverse scenes appear to capture allegorical acts one and two of the Dionysian Cista fertility mythology in progress.

When the last Attalid king, Attalos III, died in 133 BCE, he left his entire kingdom to the Roman people. At the same time, his last will declared Pergamon and the other important cities of his realm "free cities", which meant that they did not have to pay tribute to Rome. Not surprisingly, Pergamon and the other cities continued to mint cistophori in grateful tribute to their former ruler. The city of Pergamum continued issue of cistophoric tetradrachm for eight decades after the city was willed to Rome in 133 BC.

1 cistophor equaled 3 Attic drachms, the currency of Athens, which had become the world's key currency during the campaigns of Alexander the Great. Later, 1 cistophor was equivalent to 3 Roman denarii. Because they were so easy to convert into the key currencies, 16 Anatolian towns soon minted cistophors, forming a kind of monetary union. When Pergamum became Roman about 133 BC, the Romans continued to mint cistophors.

Under the Attalids, Pergamon was not only the capital of an empire that soon stretched over most of Asia Minor, but also the seat of the second most famous library of the ancient world with more than 200,000 book rolls. When the kings of Egypt, the Ptolemies, whose capital, Alexandria, boasted the only comparable library, cut off Pergamene access to papyrus, the most important writing material, the Pergamenes invented pergamentum, i.e., parchment or vellum made from animal skins.

Today, the city is called Bergama and belongs to Turkey.
mitreshFeb 19, 2014

ISLAMIC, Fatimids, Caliph al-Mustansir Billah, AV Dinar, Misr (Cairo) mintFatimids, Caliph al-Mustansir Billah, Gold Dinar, 21mm, 4.12 g, Misr (Cairo) mint, dated AH 472 (AD 1079 / 1080)

The featured specimen is a lovely example and the most distinctive of the "bulls-eye" type coinage introduced by the Fatimid's. It is visually very striking and immediately grabs attention with its unusual legend arrangement and calligraphy. This coin is of the type first used by al-Mustansir Billah's great-great grandfather, al-Mu‘izz.

Obverse Legends
Inner circle
la ilah illa allah muhammad rasul allah
“no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God”
Middle circle
wa ‘ali afdal al-wasiyyin wa wazir khayr al-mursilin
“and ‘Ali is the most excellent of the caretakers and the vizier of the best of the messengers”
Outer circle
muhammad rasul allah arsalahu bi’l-huda wa din al-haqq li-yuzhirahu ‘ala al-din kullihi wa law kariha al-mushrikun
“Muhammad is the messenger of God who sent him with guidance and the religion of truth that he might make it supreme over all other religions, even though the polytheists detest it” Sura 9 (al-Tawba) v. 33

Reverse Legends
Inner circle
al-mustansir billah amir al-mu’minin
“al-Mustansir billah, Commander of the Faithful”
Middle circle
da’a al-imam ma’add li-tawhid illa lahu al-samad
“the Imam Ma‘add summons all to confess the unity of God the eternal”.
Outer circle
bism allah duriba hadha’l-dinar bi-misr sana ith'nain‘ wa sab'ain wa arba‘mi’a
“in the name of God, this dinar was struck in Misr the year two and seventy and four hundred”

Al-Mustansir’s sixty-year reign was one of the longest in the history of Islam. He was only seven years old at the time of his accession, but was led by his wazir Abu’l-Qasim al-Jarjara‘i until he was old enough to rule on his own.
During his reign new dynasties emerged, while others either disappeared from the scene or shifted their alliances. The Zirids in the Maghrib, for so long allies of the Fatimids, transferred their allegiance to the Abbasid caliph in Baghdad.
In 447 H (1055 AD) the Saljuq dynasty of Iran and Iraq took the place of the Buyids, who, in 334 (946), had brought an end to the Abbasids’ temporal power. For a short time the Fatimids took advantage of this situation.
Ever since their arrival in Egypt in 358 (969) they had coveted the city of Baghdad, and in 450 (1058) a Saljuq military officer by the name of al-Basasiri took up the Fatimid cause.
Using money and supplies provided by al-Mustansir, he marched into Baghdad while the Saljuq leader Tughril Beg was away, and had the khutba (the imam’s speech before Friday prayer) read and coins struck in al-Mustansir’s name.
This proved to be a brief adventure, for the next year al-Mustansir withdrew his financial support, and an angry Tughril Beg drove al-Basasiri out of Baghdad. When his successor Alp Arslan occupied Aleppo in 473 (1080) he caused the Fatimid caliph’s name to be omitted from the khutba in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
While there were internal disturbances and frequent wars throughout al-Mustansir’s long reign, Fatimid Egypt was well administered and prosperous, thanks to rich revenues and gold from Africa. Industry and agriculture thrived, and it was a time of intellectual, literary and artistic brilliance. It was then that the first university was established in the Muslim world, al-Ahzar, which is still active today.
mitreshFeb 19, 2014

ISLAMIC, Islamic Dynasties, Hafsids, Abu Zakariya Yahya I, AV DinarIslamic Dynasties, Hafsids, Abu Zakariya Yahya I, AV Dinar, 4.76g, Tilimsan mint, minted 1242-49 AD

Obverse

Central square
al-wahid allah / muhammad rasul allah / al-mahdi khalifat allah / tilimsan
“the one God, Muhammad is the messenger of God, al-Mahdi is the Viceroy of God, Tilimsan (in tiny letters)”

Marginal segments
12:00 o’clock: bism allah al-rahman al-rahim, 9:00 o'clock: salla allah ’ala sayyidna muhammad, 6:00 o'clcok: wa ilahukum ilah wahid, 3:00 o'clock: la ilah illa huwwa al-rahman ’ala sayyidna muhammad,
“in the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, God’s blessing be upon Muhammad, and your god is a single god, no god but He, the Merciful, the Compassionate”

Reverse

In central square
al-shukr lillah / wa’l-minna lilla / wa’l-hawl wa al-hul wa’ al-quwwa billah
“thanks be to God and Grace be to God and power and strength be to God”

Marginal segments
12:00 o’clock: al-amir al-ajall, 9:00 o'clock: abu zakariyya yahya, 6:00 o'clock: ibn abu muhammad, 3:00 o'clock: ibn abu hafs
“the Great Prince, Abu Zakariyya Yahya, bin Abu Muhammad, bin Abu Hafs”

The Hafsids were descended from Shaykh Abu Hafs ‘Umar, who was a companion and helper of Ibn Tumart, known as al-Mahdi, in the early years of Almohad growth. Abu Zakariya Yahya I was the first ruler of the dynasty, which ruled in Algeria, Tunisia and Tripoli for over three and a half centuries from 627 to 982 H/1230-1574 AD. He began his claim to independence by omitting the Almohad ruler’s name from the khutba (the imam’s speech before Friday prayer) on the grounds that he was undermining the purity of his dynasty’s traditions, and took the title Amir. At this time the Maghrib was divided into three, with the town of Tilimsan (Tlemcen) held by the Ziyanids, Fas (Fez) by the Marinids and Tunis, the Hafsid capital, by Abu Zakariya Yahya. However, Yahya went on to conquer all of Ifriqiya, annex Algiers and capture Tilimsan, which he immediately returned to the Ziyanids on condition that they gave him their allegiance.

By the time of his death in 647 (1249) Yahya’s overlordship was acknowledged by the entire Maghrib, including northern Morocco as well as part of Spain. Yahya’s reign was a time of peace and prosperity, with treaties made with European states and Spanish Muslim craftsmen and scholars settling in the Maghrib.

There were three stages in the development of the coinage of Yahya I, the first from 627-634, when he was still serving as an Almohad governor, the second from 634 to 640 when he placed the name of the Almohad ruler as well as his own on the coinage, and the third, this coin, from 640 to 647 when only his name appeared, with the title al-amir al-ajall (the Great Prince), although he continued to recognise the spiritual ties to the Almohad doctrine of al-Mahdi.

The superb quality of both the calligraphy and magnificent striking of this coin suggests that Yahya considered it to be of particular importance in promoting public recognition of his power and prestige.mitreshFeb 19, 2014

ISLAMIC, India, Mughals, Shah Jahan, Nazrana MohurMughal Empire, Shihab ud-din Muhammad Shah Jahan( AH 1037-1068 / AD 1628-1658), Gold Mohur, 24 mm, 10.88g, Akbarabad mint, AH 1052 (AD 1642), RY 15, Quatrefoil type

Reference: Lane-Poole 547; KM 258.1

Obverse: Centre (within Quatrefoil): Kalima. Margins: bi-sudq Abu Bakr / wa 'adl 'Umar / bi-azram 'Uthman / wa 'ilm 'Ali (name and attributes of the Four Caliphs - Ali, Usman, Omar and Abu Bakr)

Reverse: Centre (within Quatrefoil): Badshah Ghazi Shah Jahan 1052 / 15. Margins: Shihab ud-din / Muhammad Sahib / Qiran Sani / Zarb Akbarabad. (The title 'Badshah or Padshah' is a Persian title meaning Great King (literally meaning Lord or Master of Kings), often translated as Emperor, while 'Ghazi' means an Islamic warrior. 'Sahib Qiran Sani' means the splendid or guiding light, as 'Qiran' in Urdu means light and 'Sani' means brilliant or bright. 'Sahib' means lord, master or owner. 'Zarb' means mint.

Shah Jahan ascended the throne following the death of his father, Jahangir in AH 1037 (1627 AD). He maintained the fine numismatic tradition of his father but did not introduce any innovation. Shah Jahan concentrated more on the grandeur, design and architecture of monuments and fine buildings, Taj Mahal being the most well known.

Akbarabad was a name given to the city, and Mughal capital, of Agra by Shah Jahan in honour of his grandfather Akbar. This changeover of name happened in RY2/3 of Shah Jahan's reign.

The featured coin depicts fine calligraphy within a perfectly centred Quatrefoil (Obv/Rev) and alongside the margins. The complete die impression with legends is fully visible on the broad flan. A well struck specimen befitting its status as a Nazrana or presentation coin from the builder of one of the present wonders of the world.
1 commentsmitreshSep 17, 2013

ISLAMIC, India, Mughals, JahangirIndia / Mughal Empire. Jahangir, AH 1014-1037 / AD 1605-1627. Rupee, AH 1025 / AD 1616; RY 10; month Isfandarmuz. Agra. Lane-Poole 441 (similar). KM 147.1. Zeno 49303. Silver. Square, 20mm × 20mm, 11.04 grams.

Obverse: Shah Nur-ud-din Jahangir, ibn Shah Akbar.

Reverse: "mah-i isfandarmuz-i ilahi / zarb agra / sanat 10 / 1025" (the month of Isfandarmuz of the ilahi month, struck Agra year 10, 1025).

Prince Salim's accession to the Mughal throne occured in 1605 AD following the death of his father, Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar. Prince Salim chose the titular name of Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir and ruled in a fair and just manner. Jahangir was born amidst luxury and opulence and he was a refined, educated and cultured man. He excelled in astronomy, zoology, painting etc and was liberal and tolerant towards other religions. As a prince, he was known for his affair with Anarkali, a courtesan, who, as rumoured, was buried alive by an incensed Akbar. Later Jahangir married a Persian widow, Nur Jahan, who became his favorite wife and a capable administrator as in the last few years of his reign Jahangir's mental and physical health deteriorated under the influence of alcohol and opium. Jahangir died in 1627 AD.

Under Jahangir, numismatics reached its greatest zenith. Jahangir minted some of the best known coins of the world including the largest gold coin ever minted, a 1,000 Tola (12 Kg) gold mohur, zodiac coins in gold and silver, portrait coins of himself and Akbar, and coins featuring poetic couplets. Some of these innovations were radical and defied the Islamic tradition viz zodiac & portrait coins. Shah Jahan, Jahangir's son and successor, ordered death penalty for anyone found using the zodiac coin series (consider as un-Islamic) as well as coins bearing the name of his step-mother, Nur Jahan, as she had undue influence over Jahangir and had interfered in Shah Jahan's accession, that makes them a great rarity today. No wonder coins of Jahangir are considered works of art and are much sought after by collectors around the world.

The featured specimen is an elegant square coin of Jahangir with magnificent work of calligraphy and depiction of vines, creepers, flowers, sunbursts and what not on the coin. It is most certainly struck from the Gold Mohur dies. All square rupee's were intended as 'nazrana' or tribute. The Ilahi coins were struck as round or square shape in alternate months. The ornate multiple dotted borders (thin inner border, thick outer border) together with the artistic scroll work, calligraphy and the flora depicted on the coin makes it an exquisite specimen, more so remarkable due to the absence of any shroff 'test' marks that disfigure and plague the Mughal coin series. The coin has great eye appeal and is a fine tribute to one of the best known numismatic innovator of his time.mitreshAug 06, 2013

ISLAMIC, Delhi Sultanate, Muhammed Bin Tughlaq, AV DinarDelhi Sultanate, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, 1325-51 AD, Gold Heavy Dinar, 24mm, 12.8g, AH 726 / 1326 AD, Hazrat Delhi mint

References: Rajgor; T1206, Goron and Goenka; D343

Legend Description & Translation
Obverse: 'al-wathiq bi-ta'yid al-rahman muhammad shah al-sultan' (invocation in the name of the Abbassid Caliph Al-Wathiq (Ibn Mutasim) together with the name of Mohd Shah (Tughlaq) and his title (Sultan).

Reverse: Within inner circle: 'ashhad an la illah illa allah wa ashhad an muhammad 'abdahu wa rasuluhu' (invocation of the Islamic faith - Kalima/Shahada - stating 'there is no God other than Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger').

Reverse: around outer margin: 'darb hazah al-dinar ba-hadrat Dehli sanh sitta wa ashrin wa sab'amayah' (this coin of the denomination dinar was struck in Venerable Delhi in the Year 726).

Mohammad bin Tughlaq was formally crowned in AH 725 (1325 AD), when his father (Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty) met an accidental death in which Muhammad was implicated. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq is best remembered as a ruler who undertook a number of bold experiments, including coinage, and many administrative reforms that mostly failed due to his impatience and lack of judgement earning him the moniker of a 'wise fool' and an entry in the Urdu language dictionary where the word 'Tughlaqi' is immortalized as meaning 'eccentricity'. The famous Arab traveller from Morocco, Ibn Batuta, spent the maximum years of his travel in the court of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq as a 'Qazi' (Islamic Judge) from 1334-1343 AD ie 10 years, and documented his experience in his book 'Rahla' (The Journey).

Soon after his accession in 1325 AD, Muhammad experimented first with the weightage of the coins. The large influx of gold from his plunder of the South Indian campaign led him to increase the weight of the gold dinar from the standard of 172 grains (11g) to 202 grains (13g), however, due to the ensuing confusion between the weight differential of the standard vs heavy weight series, lack of popularity and acceptance among his subjects, the heavy weight series was soon withdrawn after 3 years.

The weight of these heavy series coins range from 12.7 to 13.0 grams and only 2 mints are known - Dehli and Shahr Sultanpur in Telangana (Deccan). The known dates for these coins is AH 725, 726 & 727 corresponding to the first 3 years of his reign ie 1325-27 AD. The featured coin is dated AH 726.

This coin type is indicated as the most rare of all Mohd Bin Tughlaq coins by Goron. Certainly, the calligraphy style is beautiful and the strike is full, bold and sharp with complete die impressions on both Obv & Rev. A lovely specimen of a remarkable but troubled ruler!mitreshAug 06, 2013

India, Gupta Empire, Chandragupta II, Gold Dinar, Archer TypeGupta Empire, Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, Gold Dinar, 7.75g, Archer type

The above coin of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya is a celebration of the exquisite and sublime skills of the artist who designed the die for this coin which demonstrates why the Gupta Age is called the golden period of Indian history. This time period saw all round development in science, astronomy, poetry, sculptor, metallurgy etc and coinage was no different with original coins bearing Indian motifs introduced by the Guptas.

The above coin is more of a tribute to the skills and artistry of the die engraver than the image that the coin itself bears. In the above coin, the die cutter has managed to achieve the following objectives simultaneously:

1. The features of the King is portrayed as extremely youthful. 'Chir-Yauvana' or Eternal Youth is an elixir that mankind, and more so the Ruler, has sought since time immemorial. This coin shows how the die cutter wishes the King to be remembered amongst his subjects and for posterity as a handsome youthful King.

2. The body of the King is lithe, supple, muscular and well proportioned. This complements and brings out the relative youthfulness of the King. I can almost visualize the thoughts running in the die engravers mind as he thinks of the message to be conveyed by this coin 'Hail the King, Glory be to Him, our benevolent King, our Protector, the Strong and Valiant Chandragupta'.

3. The King exudes an aura of energy, vigour and vitality even as he stands in the 'dvibhanga' pose (head and torso inclined to the right with lower limbs in opposite direction, a common feature applied in Indian sculptor and classical dance, especially Odissi). The King appears calm, composed and serene. This is a delicate balance that has admirably been achieved by the die cutter. You can actually sense the King trying to communicate with you and about to step out of the coin to hold your hand and draw you back into time.

4. The King holding a Bow in his left arm while drawing an Arrow from his right hand only accentuates the powerful image of the King as a young, energetic warrior who is well disposed and endowed with the bodily strength to overcome his enemies and detractors. Symbolically, the bow and arrow represent the female and male energy as also love and death-wish, respectively. It is well acknowledged that a person has manifestations of both the feminine and masculine aspects that reveal themselves interchangeably. The soft features of the King together with his slender frame accentuates the feminine aspect while the weapons of war amplifies his masculinity. The die engraver has blended these two concepts perfectly.

5. The swaying 'mudra' or pose of the standing King is a feature of Gupta coins to reflect the King as divine and higher than a mere mortal as a man's body is imperfect being straight, rigid and stiff. The graceful sway is achieved by giving a curve or twist at the neck (head) and waist (out thrust hips), the Dvibhanga pose, or the neck, waist and knee, the Tribhanga pose. This is done to reflect that the King's body is aligned alike to the statues of the Gods and Goddesses at the temple with which the common man can more closely associate the King's divinity. The die cutter has achieved this admirably.

6. Similarly, the image of the Goddess on the Reverse is slim and sensual without being erotic. The Goddess holds a flower by a short stalk in her upraised left arm, a 'pasa' or noose in her right hand and sits in the yogic 'Padmasana' posture atop a Lotus. It must be remembered that these symbols on the coin are a depiction of the iconographic manifestation of the ancient Hindu philosophy. The Lotus flower blooms amidst the muck and filth of muddy swamps and marshes and symbolizes man's ability to rise, similar to the Lotus flower, from the dark depths of ignorance and gain happiness with the beauty and radiance of spiritual knowledge. The open flowers of the Lotus that blossoms and spreads out signifies the Sun, an essential life nourishing source as well as the light that destroys ignorance and illuminates wisdom. The 'pasa' (noose or lasso) signifies an attachment to worldly matters as well as the capability of the God to capture evil and (blind) ignorance.

Its a pity we do not have any details of the die engravers name in the historical records but given the finesse and fine style achieved in executing the portrayal of the King on the coin, I am certain he must have been a person held in high esteem for his die engraving skills. Perhaps he may even have been the same person who was also the chief architect of the fabulous temples built during the reign of Gupta Kings.

All in all, this is a great masterpiece of the Gupta miniature art on a Gold Coin of Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. It is my all time favourite coin simply because of the beautiful rendition of the Kings feature, body, posture and message it seeks to convey.2 commentsmitreshAug 02, 2013

INDIA, Gupta Empire - SamudraguptaGupta Empire, Samudragupta, Gold Dinar, 7.9g, Standard or Sceptre Type

Obv: King, nimbate and wearing fine ornaments, standing facing left and sacrificing at fire altar, holding the royal sceptre (rājadanda) in left hand, Garuda-dhwajja (standard) to the left, Brāhmī legend under left arm: Sa-mu-dra, circular sanskrit legend in Upagati metre inscribed in Brāhmī script around /Samarashatavitatavijayo Jitaripur Ajito Divam Jayati meaning (the emperor) who conquered all his enemies scoring victories in numerous battles wins heaven (thru his good deeds).

Rev: Lakshmi enthroned facing, holding cornucopia and diadem, both feet resting on a dotted cushion, tamgha to left and Brāhmī legend at right: Parākramah (Valour)

The Gupta period is considered the "Golden Age" of classical India. This was a time when great universities flourished in Nalanda and Taxila, and great writers such as the playwright Kalidasa and great scientists such as the mathematician and astronomer Aryabhatta, who is credited with the concept of zero among his many achievements, helped create an atmosphere of tremendous creative impulse. Gupta art is regarded as the high point of classical Indian art, and the coinage is equally regarded as among the most beautiful of ancient India.

Samudra Gupta was a prolific coin issuer and issued seven different types of Gold coins viz. the standard type, archer type, the battle axe (Parashu) type, tiger slayer type, Ashwamedha type, the King-Queen type and the ‘Lyrist’ (Veena player) type. While the archer, battle axe and tiger slayer type's showcase his martial achievements, unique amongst Indian Numismatics (and perhaps the World) is the Lyrist type that exhibits his softer and gentler side.

The standard type coin of Samudragupta is undoubtedly one of the first Gupta coins as it shows a close similarity to the 'standing-king-offering-sacrifice-at-fire-altar' type Kushan coins. The Gold coin of the Kushan ruler, Shaka, might be the actual prototype, as he was mentioned in Samudragupta's Allahabad inscription and must have been his contemporary.mitreshAug 01, 2013

INDIA, Assam-MohurAssam, Rajesvara Simha, Gold Mohur, 11.39g, Saka Year 1678, AD 1756

The inscription on the Mohur is in Sanskrit written in the Bengali script, as below:

Obv: Within dotted border "Sri Sri Swargdeo Sri Rajeshwara Simha Nripsya Sake 1678" (God of Heaven, King Rajesvara Simha, Saka Year 1678), a small lion facing left featured below.

Rev: Within dotted border "Sri Sri Har Gouri Charna Kamala Makarand Madhukarysa" (A bee on the nectar of the lotus on the feet of Goddess Gouri or Gauri i.e. Goddess Parvati).

Popular legend has it that the Ahom Kingdom was eight sided hence the rulers of Assam minted their coins in Octagonal shape. The rulers had both an Ahom name (Surem Phaa) as well as a Hindu name (Rajesvara Simha) and dated their coins in SE (Saka Era). The coins of Assam bore legends in Ahom, Bengali, Devanagari and Persian.

Most unusual coin with its unique shape unlike any other coins minted during that period in India. It also represents indigenous skill and craftmanship as well as an independent streak devoid of the Muslim (Sultanate, Mughal) and British influence.mitreshJul 31, 2013

INDIA, Yadavas of Devagiri-Mahadeva-PadmatankaYadavas of Devagiri, Mahadeva, Gold Padmatanka, 4 punches, 3.74g

Central punch of an eight-petalled Lotus flower, hence called Padma Tanka, with additional 4-punches around commencing from 12 'O' clock, "Mahadeva" (in Nagari script, with a spear below the name), "Sri", "Conch" and "Sri".

The central punch on the 'Padmatanka' coins represents a Lotus flower (Padma = Lotus, Tanka = Stamp or Punch) with its 8 outstretched petals representing "Asthlakshmi" or the eight primary forms of the Goddess Lakshmi viz. Adi (One with Supreme), Dhanya (Harvest), Dhairya (Inner Strength and Patience), Gaja (Elephant - wisdom), Santan (Child), Vijay (Victory), Dhana (Wealth) and Vidya (Knowledge). "Sri" is both an honorary epithet used before a name, especially that of a ruler, as well as refers to Laxmi, Goddess of Wealth. The "conch" symbol is usually associated with the God Vishnu, of whom Laxmi is the consort. By placing his name alongside the various attributes/symbols of the Gods, the King is invoking a symbolic parallelism of his right to rule with the blessings of the Gods as the King's name "Mahadeva" translates as 'The Great God or Lord".mitreshJul 30, 2013

INDIA, Eastern ChalukyasEastern Chalukyas, Nagas of Chakrakota, Someshvaradeva Rajyabhushana, Gold Gadyanaka, 3.65g, 39 mm, 1069-1108 AD

Obv: Central punch of a tiger and a calf with the sun and moon symbol behind

Around: Eight individual punches in Kannada script reading, circular from 8 'o'clock, "Sri", "Sri", "A", "NA", "NA", "SI", "GA", "MA" meaning 'Anana Si(n)gama' (As brave or fierce as a Lion), an honorary epithet for the King acknowledging his strength and prowress.
1 commentsmitreshJul 30, 2013

INDIA, Kushan-Kanishka-MIIPOKushan, Kanishka I, Gold Dinar, 7.96g, 20mm, MIIPO (Mithra) or Sun God type

Obv: Kanishka standing, wearing a flat cap, clad in heavy Kushan coat and long boots, sword at waist, flames emanating from shoulders, holding standard in his left hand, and making a sacrifice over an altar with right hand holding what looks like a shortened elephant goad. Kushan-language legend in Greek script (with the addition of the Kushan Ϸ "sh" letter): ϷΑΟ ΝΑΝΟ ϷΑΟ ΚΑΝΗϷΚΙ ΚΟϷΑΝΟ ("Shao nano shao Kanishki Koshano"):"King of Kings, Kanishka the Kushan". The legend starts circular from the left at 7 'o' clock (near the kings right feet), breaks at 12 'o' clock and continues at 1 'o' clock ending at the kings left feet at 5 'o' clock.

Rev: Deity MIIPO ie Mithra, radiate and nimbate, holding club in left hand with right hand extended, and wearing a thin transparent gown, kushan tamgha to the left, all within a circular dotted border. Mithra (or Mithras) is the Zoroastrian divinity (yazata) of covenant and oath. In addition to being the divinity of contracts, Mithra is also a judicial figure, an all-seeing protector of Truth, and the guardian of cattle, the harvest and of The Waters. Also associated with Sun God.1 commentsmitreshJul 30, 2013

INDIA, Kushan-Huviska-oHpOKushan Empire, Huvishka, Gold Dinar, 21 mm, 7.80g, OhPo (Oesho) or Shiva type (with 4-arms)

Obv: Bearded King's bust emerging from clouds holding a short mace/goad in right hand and a sceptre/sword in left hand, flames coming out from the right shoulder. The King is wearing beautiful clothes and ornaments but the overall look of the King, bearded and with heavy jowl, is nomadic, barbaric and fierce. If the desire was to convey an image of a fierce and uncompromising warrior, then the same has been communicated very well by the die engraver. The King rising from the clouds and with flames coming out from shoulders indicate the King's claim to divinity.

Rev: 4-arm Shiva, nimbate and wearing a 'dhoti' (Indian loin cloth), holding in various arms, Damru or the celestial drum (upper right), Kamandla or water-pot with water pouring forth (lower right), Trishul or trident (upper left) and a Mrig or antelope held by its horns (lower left). The kamandla with water pouring forth symbolizes the blessing of the God on the King's investiture featured on the Obv while the Mrig held by its horns symbolizes the control of (an ascetic) Shiva over sensory perceptions, desires etc of which a fast moving and easily agitated deer/antelope is a symbol. Shiva is also known by various other names with the most popular ones being "Maha Yogi" (Great Ascetic) where Shiva is shown with matted hair and ash smeared over body sitting in "Padmasana" (Padma - Lotus, Asana - yogic posture). He is also termed as "Pashupatinath" (Lord of Animals or Wild Beasts) where the reference to animals/wild beasts is to the wild passions/desires etc that leads mere mortals astray but over which Shiva has mastery and full control. Shiva is also called "Mahadeva" (The Great God), "Mahakaal" (The Great (controller of) Death, Destruction or Time, a reference to Shiva's ability to destroy (evil/ignorance) for new creation and creativity), "Neelkanth" (Blue Throated Lord, a reference to Shiva's selfless act of consuming poison generated from the churning of the ocean to elicit the elixir of life that the Gods drank to become immortal), "Rudra" (Fierce, Mighty, Terrifying etc, a reference to Shiva's ability to eliminate evil and usher peace), etc.

A very fine piece of art in which the swaying 'rudraksha mala' (garland) around the neck of Shiva conveys the necessary vigour and motion together with the other objects shown in the iconography viz vibrating drum, pouring water etc. The facial features of both the King and the Deity complement each other symbolizing common association with the King claiming his right to rule as a "Dev-putra" (Son of God) with the blessing of the God. A powerful iconographic symbol.2 commentsmitreshJul 30, 2013

INDIA, Kushan-Huviska-MIIPOIndia, Kushan Empire, Huviska, ca 152-192 AD, Gold Dinar, 8.02g, MIIPO (Mithra) or Sun God type

Obv: King's bust left emerging from clouds, nimbate, holding sceptre and mace, wearing ornamental conical pointed cap, circular Bactrian legend around: þao nano þao oohþki Koþano (King of Kings, Huvishka the Kushan).

Rev: Mithra standing facing left, radiate, left hand at hip holding sword and granting blessing, Legend at right: MIIPO, Kanishka tamgha at left below right arm.

Very Rare and Unpublished: see Göbl 281 for obverse, Göbl 137.1 for reverse.

Exceptionally fine style, perfectly centred on a large flan, mint state with lustre. Note the King’s fine facial features, clothes and ornaments.
mitreshJul 30, 2013

GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Eukratides Megas - TetradrachmObv: Within a circular bead-and-reel border, Diademed and draped bust right, wearing crested helmet adorned with bull's horn and ear.

Rev: Dioskouroi on rearing horses right, holding palm fronds and spears; monogram in lower right field, Greek semi-circular legend on top "BAΣIΛEΩΣ MEΓAΛOY" and at bottom "EYKPATIΔOY" meaning '(of) Great King Eucratides'.

Bopearachchi 6W, SNG ANS 469-471

The helmeted Eucratides tetradrachm is one of the most popular and sought-after coins of the Bactrian series. Certainly it boasts one of the best Hellenistic portrait of all times. Eukratides also minted the largest known Gold Coin of Antiquity, a massive 20 Stater coin weighing 169.2g with a huge flan size of 58mm. Perhaps it was a commemorative victory medal to celebrate Eucratides's conquest of "India," presumably some land south of the Hindu Kush, perhaps Gandhara.
4 commentsmitreshJul 24, 2013

GREEK, Baktrian Kingdom, Demetrious I Aniketos - TetradrachmObv: Within a circular dotted border, Diademed and draped bust of Demetrios right, wearing elephant skin head dress.

Rev: Herakles standing facing, crowning himself, holding club and lion skin; PK monogram to inner left; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY (of King Demetrios) written in Greek on either side.

Bopearachchi Series 1C; SNG ANS 187; Mitchiner 103d; Qunduz 28-33; Sear 7526.

At 35mm and weighing nearly 17g, this specimen is one of the best extant examples with a huge flan size complete with dotted border.4 commentsmitreshJul 24, 2013