2018-06-05 Tue

Murad Bakhsh was the youngest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. He was born in the year 1624, being the youngest made him a favourite of his elder siblings. In the year 1642, he was appointed as Subedar of Multan. He was also the Subedar of Balkh until he was replaced by his elder brother Aurangzeb in 1647. In 1657, Murad Bakhsh declared himself as the Emperor at Ahmadabad.

Murad Bakhsh issued coins in all three metals: gold, silver and copper. In copper, he issued denominations like Half-Dam and Dam. Copper Half-Dam issued by him weighs around 10.2-10.8g and copper Dam issued by him weighs around 20.4-21.6g. In silver, he issued denominations like Quarter Rupee, Half-Rupee and Rupee. Quarter-Rupee issued by him weighs around 2.8g. Half-Rupee and Rupee issued by him issued by him weigh around 5.7 and 11.4g. In gold, he issued Mohur which weighs around 10.8-11g.

This copper Dam issued by him was minted in Surat and it weighs around 20.3g. On the obverse side, the coin depicts ‘Name and title of the King’. The reverse side of the coin depicts mints name Surat.

Image Courtesy: Oswal Antiques