2017-10-27 Fri

Jalal Ud Din Muhammad Akbar was the 3rd ruler of the great Mughal Dynasty. At the age of 13, he succeeded Humayun and became one of the greatest emperors of India. During his reign, there was lots of prosperity and art and culture reached its zeal.

Akbar took a keen interest in coinage. He was very inspired by the currency reforms of Sher Shah Suri and carried them forward under his rule. Akbar issued coins which reflect his power and they are the most exquisite. During his reign, tri-metallic currency was in practice – gold mohurs, silver rupees, silver fractions, copper tanka/dam and their fractions. The gold coin was known as Mohur. Apart from the continuing usage of Rupya (introduced by Sher Shah Suri).The copper coins of Akbar were known as Tanka, Dam (half tanka), Nisfi (half dam) and there were quarter dams, damri, chautanki, do tanki and tankis.

The Akbari system of coinage is significant because of their minute details like detailed description of the issuing year and the location of the mint. This was prevalent in various sultanates before him, but this became distinct. They also had beautiful calligraphy on the coins and his coins represent the tolerance of religion by issuing a silver and gold coin depicting 'Ram-Siya'. His coins remained as excellent examples of aesthetics and artistic excellence in Indian coinage.

During Akbar’s last years, he fought to acquire Ahmednagar in his empire and eventually it happened by end of 16th century. On 3rd Oct. 1605, Akbar fell ill with an attack of dysentery, from which he never recovered. 12 days after his 63rd birthday, he passed away on 27th October 1605. His body is buried at a mausoleum in Sikandra, Agra.

This coin belongs to the 50th or the last ruling year of Jalal ud Din Muhammad Akbar, from Ahmednagar Mint.

Today on the 412th death anniversary Mintage World remembers Akbar for his greatness and coinage.