Very fine, Very rare.

Baba Ala Singh, the founder and first ruler of Patiala, established the state in 1763 AD (originally 'Pati Ala', meaning 'land of Ala') and ruled until his death in 1765. Born into the Sikh Phulkian dynasty, he rose to power through a series of early battles and steadily expanded his territories in Punjab. Through a combination of warfare and diplomacy, he consolidated the foundations of the Patiala State. In 1763, he founded the city of Patiala, establishing it as his capital. He maintained both adversarial and allied relations with the Afghan Durrani Empire, and was eventually granted the title of Maharaja by Ahmed Shah Durrani, along with other royal privileges, becoming the first Sikh ruler to assume the title in history. A similar specimen was sold in Stephen Album Auction 23 (2015), Lot no. 1852 at hammer 1,500 USD.