2018-06-11 Mon

Zain Al Abidin ruled Kashmir Sultanate from 1420 CE till 1470 CE. The real name of Zain Al Abidin was Shahi Khan; he was the son of Sikandar Shah I. After the death of Sikandar Shah I in the year 1413 CE, his eldest son Ali Shah succeeded him, in the year1420 CE, Ali Shah was defeated in the battle by his brother Shahi Khan and Shahi Khan took the throne under the title Zain Al Abidin. .

In copper, he issued denominations like Kaserah and Half-Kaserah. Copper Kaserah issued by him has two weight standards one weighs around 4.8-5.5 g and other weighs around 6-6.5g. Copper Kaserahs issues have a date 841, 848 and 851, with the number 25 which may refer to his regnal year. The number 25 is corresponding to the AH year 848. Therefore the date 841 may seem to be an error date.

This Copper Kaserah was issued by him in the Hijri year 841. The obverse of this coin is inscribed as ‘Al-Sultan Al-Azam Zain Al-Abidin’ with the Regnal year 25. The reverse of the coin is inscribed as ‘Zarb Kashmir’ with Hijri date written in words.

Image Courtesy: Todywalla Auction