Selim III was the ruler of Ottoman Empire from 1789 to 1807 AD. Considered as the reform-minded Sultan of the Empire, Selim was very fond of literature and Calligraphy. He had associated a lot with foreigners and was thoroughly persuaded of the necessity of reforming his state.

During the reign, he issued gold, silver, and copper coins from Islambul mint. These coins were issued in the denomination of Zeri Mahbub, Altin, Akce, Para, Piastre, Zolota, Kurush, and Mangir.

Depicted above is a 4 Kharub issued in his reign from Tunus mint (in Tunisia). The obverse of a coin depicted the name of Sultan and title in 4 lines which read as ‘Sultan Al Barin was Khaqan Al Bahrin Al-sultan Selim Khan Az Nasrah’ (Sultan of the 2 lands and 2 seas Sultan Selim Khan May he be victorious). On the other hand, the reverse has Mint name and Islamic date within ornamental frame ‘Zarb Fi Tunas 1216’.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions