Akbar (AH 963-1014 /1556-1605 AD), Patna Mint 1/2 Rupee, Broad Flan, Month Aban, Elahi 47, Obv : Persian legends month "Aban" at the top, Rev : Arabic legend "Jalla Jalalahu Allahu Akbar" within a dotted border,  "Zarb Patna" "Elahi 49" at the bottom, all within a dotted border, ( Wt: 5.70 grams, Dia: 15.02 mm) (KM # 93.14).

An exceptionally attractive specimen, combining bold lettering with finely engraved floral details. The broad flan accommodates a remarkably complete beaded border on the date-and-mint side, with much of the corresponding border visible on the opposite face. Soft silver-grey toning, touched with warmer hues in the recesses, accentuates the raised calligraphy and gives the design pleasing depth. Its balanced composition and carefully framed inscriptions lend it the distinguished appearance of a Nazarana-style piece, Extremely Rare. 

Historical note

Patna became a Mughal possession following Akbar’s eastern campaign of 1574. After Mughal forces captured nearby Hajipur and cut the supply route supporting Patna’s defenders, Daud Shah Karrani withdrew towards Bengal. The city subsequently formed part of the expanding Mughal administration in the eastern provinces.

This half rupee belongs to Akbar’s later Ilahi coinage, which incorporated the emperor’s solar calendar into everyday currency. Even on this small denomination, the engraver gave considerable attention to the arrangement of the lettering, floral sprays and prominent dotted borders. It illustrates the artistic quality associated with the round Ilahi issues of Patna this feature also noted by C. J. Brown in The Coins of India. A modest denomination, beautifully executed, carrying both the name of an important eastern mint.