2018-05-25 Fri

Ghiyath Al-Din Balban was one of the greatest rulers of Delhi Sultanate, he ruled Delhi from 1266 CE to 1287 CE. In the year 1232, he was brought to Delhi as the slave and was purchased by Iltutmish. Like his master Iltutmish, he also rose to power and became the Sultan of Delhi. The journey from being a slave and raising to the position of Wazir, Balban’s ascended was not less than the miracle. Following a long political void, Balban ascended to the throne of the Delhi Sultanate. Balban was one of the most powerful rulers of the sultanates between Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji.

This gold tanka which weighs round 10.9g, minted in Hadrat Delhi was sold for INR 45,000 at Classical Numismatic Gallery auction held in Delhi on 19th May 2018. The obverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Al Sultan Al Azam Ghiyat Al Dunya Wa'L Din Abu'L Muzaffar Balban Al Sultan’. The reverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Al Imam Al- Mustasim Ameer-Ul-Mominin, Mint ‘Hadrat Delhi’ and Hijri Date ‘674’ (Written in Words) in Margin’.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Gallery