2021-07-13 Tue

This Gold Mohur is an exceptional coin of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. An extraordinary specimen of Jahangir’s coinage, this coin is amongst the highest rarities of the Emperor!

Soon after his ascension to the throne, Jahangir began experimenting with his coinage with their weight standards, designs, shapes, poetic couplets etc. The weights were increased by 20% and then by 25% of his coins, these experiments of weight standards ended on the 11th of Ardibihisht of AH 1020, which fell in the 6th regnal year and the coinage reverted to normal weights.

Subsequently, Jahangir issued 'Muhr-e-gird' coins with different ornamental borders. The legends on these coins were simple nominative inscriptions, unlike the poetic forms used on previous issues. However, the exceptionally high quality of designing and engraving the dies was retained.

Struck in the month of Shahrewar of the 8th regnal year, the inscriptions are engraved in a cursive Thuluth style of Farsi and the letters are offset against a delicate backdrop of floral decoration and filigree patterns. The style of calligraphy is reminiscent of ornate panels often painted in verso of several miniature paintings of the Mughal period.

The obverse depicts Nur ud din Jahangir Shah Akbar Shah within a dotted circle and the Reverse depicts Zarb Agra on top, mah Shahrewar (Elahi month), Hijri 1022 & regnal year 8 at the bottom, whole legends within the dotted circle.

Image Courtesy: marudhararts.com