2019-04-06 Sat

Osman Ali Khan ruled the state from 1911 to 1948. It is said that he introduced many educational reforms during the reign. About 11 percent of the Nizam's budget was spent on education. Also, it was during his reign when various buildings such as Osmania University, Osmania General Hospital, and Hyderabad High Court were built.

He issued gold, silver, nickel, copper-nickel, and bronze coins from Hyderabad mint. These coins were struck in the denomination of Ashrafi, Rupee, Pai, and Anna in a round and square shape.

This Gold Ashrafi of Mir Usman Ali Khan was minted at Hyderabad in 1329 AH. The obverse of the coin bears Char Minar in centre with half ‘Ain’ in the doorway (Persian alphabet for ‘U’, the initial of Usman) and Persian legend 92 Asaf Jah on top, Bahadur in left, Nizamul Mulk on right, and Sanah 1329 at the bottom. The reverse of the coin depicted the denomination ‘Yak Ashrafi’ in centre circle and ‘Sanah 1 Julus Mainamat Manus Zarb Farkhandah Bunyad Hyderabad’ around the circle.

Numeral 92 is observed on almost all coins of Hyderabad. It is the numerical value of the name ‘Muhammad’.The partial Ain or half Ain in the doorway of Charminar Ashrafi was minted only for a year that is the first regnal year of Usman Ali Khan. Only a few specimens are known of this type.

This Gold Ashrafi was sold for INR 2,00,000 by Classical Numismatic Gallery.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery