Awadh, Nasir-ud-Din Haider (AH 1243-1253, 1827-1837 AD), Gold Nazarana Ashrafi,  Suba Awadh, Dar-us-Saltanat Lakhnau Mint, Ah 1245 / RY 3, NGC MS 64, RRRR (Wt: 10.71 gm, Dia: 24.01 mm).

Obv:  دار السلطنت لکھنؤ ضرب صوبہ اودھ 
Dar-us-Saltanat Lakhnau Zarb Suba Awadh. Two rampant lions holding standards, flanking a central pillar surmounted by a crown, with paired fish below. 

Rev:  سکہ زد بر سیم و زر از فضلِ حق، ظلِ الٰہ، نائبِ مہدی ; نصیر الدین حیدر بادشاہ 
sikka zad bar seem wa zar az fazl haque zulle nayab mehdi naseer-ud-din haidar badshah.

The Crown Jewel of Awadh’s Coinage

Nasir-ud-Din Haidar succeeded his father, Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar, in 1827, becoming the second king of Awadh. His gold coinage belongs to the royal world of Lucknow, where elaborate court ceremony and artistic patronage gave material expression to kingship. The combination of Persian calligraphy and an imposing armorial design gives this ashrafi its distinctive character, evoking the splendour associated with royal presentation and nazarana.

An alluring example, with sharply expressed ornament, lustrous golden surfaces and an exceptionally pleasing presentation of the design within its dotted borders. Its MS 64 preservation enhances the beauty of both the calligraphy and the elaborate royal arms. A true masterpiece of Awadh coinage, displaying exceptional beauty and preservation, A true Nazarana, worthy of royal presentation.

(Kapoor&Master# 8.14, pg 116) NGC MS 64, RRRR