Mughal Empire, Akbar (AH 963–1014 / 1556–1605 AD), Urdu Zafar Qarin Mint (“the camp associated with victory”), Gold Square Heavy Mohur, AH 1000 (Alf). (Wt : 12.08 g, Dia : 20.03 × 19.09 mm), Reference: KM 112.4)

Obverse: The Kalima Shahada within a diamond-shaped frame, with the names of the four Caliphs in the corners.

Reverse: "Jalal al-Din Muhammad Akbar Badshah Ghazi" in the centre; the mint name, "zarb Urdu Zafar Qarin", fully visible below.

From Akbar’s Royal Camp

In the Ain-i-Akbari, Abu’l-Fazl lists a mint called Mu‘askar-i-Iqbal, meaning “the camp of good fortune,” among the mints documented during the compilation of his work. That name has not been recorded on a coin. The Mughal royal camp mint instead appears on coins under several names, including Urdu (“camp”), Urdu Zafar Qarin (“the camp associated with victory”) and Urdu dar rah-i-Dakhan (“the camp on the road to the Deccan”).

Liddle records issues of Urdu Zafar Qarin beginning in AH 984, with further coins known through AH 989 and dated Alf (AH 1000) and Alf-wa-Ahd (AH 1001). These changing mint names reflect the movement of Akbar’s court and army. On this mohur, the fully visible Urdu Zafar Qarin inscription gives the coin a particularly direct connection to the imperial camp.

While its square form, bold strike and exceptional preservation with complete dotted borders on both sides frame the design beautifully and give this mohur the imposing presence of a Nazarana issue. Such fully visible dotted borders are exceptionally rare for the type, adding greatly to its visual appeal. make it a distinguished example of Akbar’s gold coinage. A test mark is present on the edge. About uncirculated. Extremely Rare.