Mughal Empire (Mehr-un-Nissa Begum) under the authority of Jahangir, Surat Mint, Silver Rupee, “Sad Zewar” Couplet. (AH 1033–1037 / AD 1623–1627) AH 1034 Year 20 (1624/5), Surat Mint, NGC MS-63, (KM-167.2. )

Struck at Surat - a gateway to overseas trade

This rupee bearing Nur Jahan’s name unites her extraordinary imperial stature with the maritime commerce of Mughal India.

A visually striking and Extremely Rare 1/2 rupee of Nur Jahan, displaying brilliant lustre and captivating eye appeal, this exceptional example combines remarkable preservation with considerable historical significance. Nur Jahan was one of the most powerful women of the Mughal Empire, exercising extraordinary influence during the final years of Jahangir’s reign. Renowned for her political acumen, she played a prominent role in imperial administration, court affairs, trade, and patronage of the arts. Her greatest numismatic distinction was being the only Mughal empress whose name appeared on imperial coins alongside that of the reigning emperor, a remarkable expression of her authority. Struck at Surat, a major port connecting Mughal India with overseas commerce, this 1/2 rupee carries her name beyond the imperial court into the currency of trade. Its inscription preserves an exceptional moment in Mughal history, when an empress’s status received recognition on the empire’s coinage. Following Jahangir’s death in 1627 and Shah Jahan’s accession in AH 1036 / 1628 AD, her political influence declined, bringing this extraordinary chapter of Mughal coinage to a close, Extremely Rare.