2018-10-04 Thu

Arcot was a Princely State during the British rule in India. It is situated on the east coast of India between Madras and Calcutta. Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Wallajah rules the Arcot from 1749 to 1795 AD.

The Nawabs of Arcot issued many coins in copper and a few in gold and silver. The earliest coins were issued in the name of the Mughal emperor. Later, they issued coins in their own name.

Most of the coins bear inscriptions in Persian while a few are in Tamil. Various symbols and motifs such as the flower, horse, elephant, fish, and geometric designs have been featured. Although the Arcot Nawabs were Muslims, they often portrayed Hindu deities and symbols on their coins.

Muhammad Ali issued gold, silver and copper coins in octagon and round shapes. These coins found in the denomination of Nazarana, Pagoda, Rupee, Paisa, and Cash.

This copper paisa of Muhammad Ali issued in the name of Alamgir II from Arkat mint. The obverse of the coin is inscribed as with name and title of the king and the reverse of the coin is inscribed with the mint name and Hijri year.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery