Jahangir (AH 1014-1037 /1607-1627 AD), Ahmadabad Mint, Silver Zodiac Rupee, AH 1027 /13 RY, "Taurus" Sign, Corresponding to Ilahi month "Ardibihisht", Obv: the constellation of Taurus (bull) facing right, Radiate sun behind "sana 13 julus" at the bottom, Rev: Persian legend "Jahangir Badshah Akbar Badshah", "zarb Ahmadabad" completely visible at the bottom 1027 Hijri at the top, (Wt: 11.14 grams, Dia: 19.06 mm) (KM # 150.5), no test mark, centrally struck, about extremely fine, Extremely Rare.

Celestial Art on Mughal Coinage

In the Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri, Emperor Jahangir describes the inspiration behind his celebrated zodiac coinage. “It entered my mind that instead of the month, they should substitute the figure of the constellation belonging to that month. The figure of the constellation was to be on one face, as if the sun were emerging from it. This usage is my own and has never been practised until now.”

Introduced at Ahmadabad in April 1618, during the emperor’s stay in the city, this innovation transformed the traditional presentation of the month on his coins. Where earlier issues bore the month’s name alongside the mint and regnal year, the new designs depicted its corresponding zodiac sign, with the sun rising behind it.

Farwardin was represented by Aries, followed by Taurus for Ardibihisht, Gemini for Khurdad, Cancer for Tir, and Leo for Amardad. These striking designs brought celestial imagery to the heart of Mughal coinage, reflecting Jahangir’s personal interest in artistic expression. Although he remained in Ahmadabad until Shahrewar, the month associated with Virgo, no silver issue depicting that sign is recorded in the account presented here. Combining imperial authority with an unusually personal artistic vision, Jahangir’s zodiac coins remain among the most distinctive and sought-after creations of Mughal numismatics.