2020-02-20 Thu

One of the most sought after coins of India, Ram Siya gold half Mohur was minted during the reign of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Akbar (1556-1605). Measures 2 cm in diameter, and weighs roughly 6.2 grams. The coin was sold at a Canadian auction house on December 11, 2019, for 491,400 CAD plus 20 % buyer’s premium.

The text “Ilahi 50 Farvardin” ", which means the 50th year of the rule of Akbar appears in Persian in two lines with a floral vine around it.

A crowned Lord Rama is depicted wearing his royal dress, holding an arrow in the right hand and a bow in the left. A standing Siya or Sita holds a lotus in each hand. The text “Rama Siya” in Devanagari also appears on the coin. The coin is the only one issued by Akbar which features human figures. Three known examples exist, one in gold and the other two in silver and all three of them do not have a mint name.

Walker’s Fine Art & Estate Auctioneers in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, is offering the coin in its December 11, 2019, Canadian and International Fine Art Catalog Sale. The auction house estimates the coin will realize $150,000 to $250,000 Canadian and the gavel fell at CAD 420,000 plus 20% buyer’s premium.

Image Source: https://walkersauctions.hibid.com/