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Lot No.161
AUC14
Sultanates
Auction Date: 21-12-2013
Gold
Nizam Shahi Sultans of Ahmadnagar, Gold Hon of Murtaza Nizam Shah I (1565-1588 AD), struck to a light-weight standard, AH 993, (G&G N1), 2.9g. Obv: Shi'a version of Kalima, with 'Ali Wali-allah added to the usual Muhammad Rasool Allah. Rev: Legend in two parts - the lower of which is the AH date 993 in words. At the top the name of the Sultan 'Murtaza' can be seen, but the inscription in the second line has not yet been satisfactorily read. It is in all likelihood a religious invocation suggesting 'Help us in Time'.
About Extremely Fine, Very Rare.
This is the earliest dated Gold coin of any of the Deccani Sultanate succeeding the Bahmanis. It is also a rare instance of the Shi'a version of the Kalima appearing on an Indian coin as only two other instances are noted of its numismatic appearance in India - the first being the issues of Burhan Nizam Shah II, the successor of Murtaza I and the second, issues of Humayun struck as a vassal of Safavid kings of Iran at Qandahar. The Safavid or Iranian connection of the Nizam Shahi Sultans is also very evident in the design of the coin with calligraphy comparable to many contemporary Iranian issues. This gives a clear indication of the political alignment of the Deccani Sultans with Iran due to their shared faith of Shi'aism.
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Estimated Price :
Rs. 1,25,000-1,50,000
Sold For :
Rs. 1,75,000
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