Muhammad Akbar II (AH 1221–1253 / 1806–1837 AD), Dar-ul-Khilafa Shahjahanabad Mint, Silver Nazarana Rupee, AH 1224 / 3 RY, Broad Flan, Royal Umbrella type.
(Wt: 11.18 grams, Dia: 30.06 mm), (KM # 779.1), Uncirculated, Extremely Rare.

Obv: سکہ مبارک صاحب قران ثانی محمد اکبر شاہ بادشاہ غازی
Sikka Mubarak Sahib-i-Qiran Sani, Muhammad Akbar Shah Badshah Ghazi.
“The auspicious coin of Muhammad Akbar Shah, emperor and warrior of the faith, the second Lord of the Auspicious Conjunction.” accompanied by the Hijri year1224, a prominent royal umbrella, floral ornaments and decorative dot clusters, enclosed by a full dotted border.

Rev: ضرب دار الخلافہ شاہجہان آباد سنہ ۳ جلوس میمنت مانوس
Zarb Dar-ul-Khilafa Shahjahanabad; Sanah 3 julus maimanat manus.
“Struck at Shahjahanabad, the Seat of the Caliphate, in the third year of the accession associated with prosperity.” enclosed by a full dotted border.

'Shahjahanabad'  The Imperial Seat Contested by Powers

Shahjahanabad remained a coveted seat of sovereignty even as Mughal power weakened. Possession of Delhi brought access to the imperial court and the prestige of ruling in the emperor’s name. During the eighteenth century, Persian invaders, Afghan rulers, Maratha armies, Rohilla chiefs and Sikh forces entered or contested the city, while rival Mughal princes and court factions struggled for the throne. These were successive invasions, occupations and contests for influence, rather than a single struggle between a fixed number of empires. 

Rohilla chief Ghulam Qadir briefly seized the imperial court in 1788. In 1803, the East India Company defeated the Maratha forces outside Delhi and brought the city under its control. Against this background, Akbar II’s nazarana rupee preserves the ceremonial dignity of the Mughal throne. Its royal umbrella, elaborate titles and finely arranged calligraphy express an imperial tradition that endured after effective political power had passed into other hands. The inscription “Dar-ul-Khilafa Shahjahanabad” gives this silver issue particular poignancy, a tribute to the prestige of a capital so many powers had sought to command.

Muhammad Akbar II ruled during a period when Mughal political authority had greatly diminished under East India Company dominance. Nevertheless, the imperial court continued to preserve its titles, ceremonies and traditions. The grand inscription “Sahib-i-Qiran Sani” reflects this enduring language of sovereignty.

The broad nazarana format gives the calligraphy and royal emblems room to unfold. On this specimen, the umbrella, floral sprays and dotted borders create an especially ornate composition, preserving the visual dignity of the later Mughal court in silver. A beautifully composed specimen on a broad 28.20 mm flan, displaying extensive dotted borders on both sides and boldly defined inscriptions. Soft grey toning enhances the raised lettering and delicate ornamentation. One of the few known examples displaying such remarkable completeness, this Gem Uncirculated coin offers an exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector. Extremely Rare.