2020-01-21 Tue

Sultan Abdul Hamid I was the 27th ruler of the Ottoman Empire. He was born in Constantinople. On 21st January 1774, he became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and Caliph of Islam by succeeding his brother Mustafa III.

He reformed the Empire’s military after the humiliating loss to the Russians ceding the Crimean Peninsula. He ruled over Syria, Egypt, and Iraq. Despite his military losses, he was well-regarded as the most gracious Ottoman Sultan. He personally directed the fire brigade during the Constantinople fire of 1782. He was admired by the people for his religious devotion and was even called a Veli ("saint"). He also outlined a reform policy, supervised the government closely, and worked with statesmen.

Abdul Hamid issued gold and Billon coins during the reign. These coins are found in the denomination of Zeri Mahbub, Altin, Para, Zolota, and piastre.

Represent above is a gold quarter Altin issued in his reign from Constantinople mint in 1187 AH. The obverse of a coin showed the in Toughra calligraphy, 'Han Abdul Hamid bin Ahmad al-Muzaffer Da'ima'. The reverse of a coin inscribed with ’15 Zarb Fi Islambul 1187’.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions