Jahangir (AH 1014-1037 /1607-1627 AD) Agra Mint, Silver Rupee, Month Khurdad (Gemini), AH 1020/6 RY, Obv: Persian legends month "Khurdad" at the top, "zarb Agra" with regnal year 6 and Hijri year 1020 at the bottom, Rev: Persian legend "Noor-ud-din Jahangir Shah Akbar Shah" within a double octofoil, (Wt: 11.31 grams, Dia: 22.02 mm), (Unlisted type in KM), decorative fields, about very fine, Extremely Rare.

Art in a Time of Transition

In AH 1020 / Regnal Year 6, Jahangir discontinued the heavier Sawai standard and restored the normal rupee weight. His earlier experiments had introduced coins weighing first 20 per cent above the regular standard, known as Jahangiri issues, and subsequently 25 per cent above it, known as Sawai issues. The abolition of the heavier standard on 11 Ardibihisht marked an important transition in his coinage. At Agra, this change was accompanied by a remarkable series of ornamental rupees featuring varied decorative borders and monthly designs. 

The present rupee, dated AH 1020 / RY 6, belongs to this early transitional series. Issued for Khurdad, the Persian solar month corresponding to Gemini, it features an elegant scalloped design framing the inscriptions. Its appeal lies in the combination of calligraphy and ornament.

Struck for just a single month 'Khurdad' of AH 1020 / RY 6, this rare experimental rupee belongs to a brief transitional phase in Jahangir’s coinage. Its exceptionally short period of issue adds to its rarity and makes it a particularly significant piece for collectors of Mughal coins. Based on our survey of auction records, private collections, museum holdings and archives, less than ten specimens of this particular type have been traced worldwide  highlighting its exceptional rarity and considerable numismatic interest. Extremely Rare.