Lot No: 153

Mughal, Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee 'Octofoil' Type - Nazarana like Broad Flan

Mughal, Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee 'Octofoil' Type - Nazarana like Broad Flan
Mughal, Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee 'Octofoil' Type - Nazarana like Broad Flan
Lot No: 153

Mughal, Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee 'Octofoil' Type - Nazarana like Broad Flan

Mughal, Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee 'Octofoil' Type - Nazarana like Broad Flan
Mughal, Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee 'Octofoil' Type - Nazarana like Broad Flan

Description

Shah Jahan (AH 1037-1068 /1628-1658 AD), Daulatabad Mint, Silver Rupee AH 1067 / Ry 31, Nazarana like Broad Flan, (11.40g, 24.10 mm), (KM # 232.1) sharp strikes, attractive strike, superb quality, About Uncirculated, Extremely Rare.

Obv: شاہ جہاں بادشاہ غازی، شہاب الدین محمد صاحبِ قرانِ ثانی، ضرب دولت آباد
"Shah Jahan Badshah Ghazi" within a octofoil, "Shihab-ud-din Muhammad Sahib-i-Qiran Sani, Zarb Daulatabad" in margins
(Shah Jahan, the victorious emperor, Shihab-ud-din Muhammad, Second Lord of the Auspicious Conjunction; struck at Daulatabad.)

Rev: لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله — ابو بکر، عمر، عثمان، علی
Kalima Shahada, four great Caliphs name in margin Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali.

 

The Art of Shah Jahan’s Octofoil Rupee

Towards the end of Shah Jahan’s reign, a distinctive octofoil, or scalloped-border, design appeared on silver rupees from a limited number of mints, including Daulatabad, Shahjahanabad, Ahmedabad, Allahabad and Akbarabad only in years AH 1067/68/69 and RY 30/31/32/33. The term describes the eight-lobed enclosure surrounding the central inscriptions on both faces, rather than the shape of the coin itself. These issues are particularly significant because they span the closing years of Shah Jahan’s rule and the transition to Aurangzeb. They provide tangible evidence that the change of imperial authority was not immediately reflected in every mint’s coinage. Their combination of ornate design and historical importance makes the octofoil rupees a compelling series within late Shah Jahan coinage.

About the beauty of this rupee  An exquisite expression of Mughal calligraphic art, this rupee displays bold, flowing inscriptions within elegantly scalloped octofoil frames. Sweeping curves and elongated strokes create a balanced composition, while tiny floral rosettes and clusters of pellets enrich the spaces between the letters. The surrounding legends follow the contours of the central panels, giving both faces an almost architectural harmony reminiscent of an ornamental Mughal medallion.

Deep grey toning contrasts beautifully with the brighter raised lettering, lending depth and definition to the engraving. Much of the intricate design remains visible across the broad flan, allowing its artistry to be appreciated. A rupee of considerable visual charm, distinguished by the graceful relationship between calligraphy, ornament and geometric form. Extremely Rare with such appealing features.