Overlord's stamp and coin collection

Indo-Greek: Antialcidas (115-95 BC), AR Bilingual Drachm, Bopearachchi Ser. 13

2010-08-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antialcidas

Antialcidas is not mentioned in Greek sources. Yet, his coins, as well as an inscription found in central India (the Heliodorus pillar), attest to his reign. Historians have different dates for the reign of Antialcidas, varying between 145 and 95 BC.

Mass=2.0 g

Obverse Helmeted, diademed, and draped bust right; ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΝΙΚΗΦΟΡΟΥ around, ΑΝΤΙΑΛΚΙΔΟΥ below

Reverse Zeus seated three-quarter to the left on throne, holding transverse sceptre in his left hand; Nike with wreath and palm branch on his outstretched right hand; in field left, forepart of elephant raising its trunk; below throne, monogram. Around: Karosthi legend Maharajasa Jayadharasa Amtialikidasa

Awadh: Wajid Ali Shah (AH1263-1272/1847-1856 AD), Rupee, AH1266/RY 3, Mint Epithet Variety IV, KM#365.1

2010-08-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wajid_Ali_Shah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm4wPgDqLyc

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (Reign 13 February 1847 to 7 February 1856)

Royal coat of arms at the gate of Mausoleum of the Kings of Oudh at
Sibtainabad Imambara, Matiaburj, Kolkata

Mass=11.1 g

Obverse Poetic couplet in rayed circle:

Sikka Zad Bar Sim Wa Zar Fazl Wa Ta'id Ilah
Zill Hazz Wajid Ali Sultan Alam Badshah
Struck coin on silver and gold by the grace and help of God,
Shadow of the True One, Wajid Ali Shah, Sultan of the World, Emperor

Reverse Coat of arms in rayed circle: Two fish; in their mouths humanoid figures holding clubs and flags, supporting a crown surmounted by a parasol with a bird perched on top. Below are a shield and two swords and two clubs. At the bottom is a snake. Legend around: Zarb Mulk Awadh Bait Al-Sultanat Lakhnau Sanat 3 Jalus Maimanat Manus [Struck at Awadh, House of the Sultanate, Lucknow in the third year of (his) reign associated with prosperity]

Note: Two more mint epithet varieties are observed for the Rupee of Wajid Ali Shah. Variety V (KM#365.2) (Mulk Awadh Akhtarnagar) and Variety VI (KM#365.3) (Bait Al Sultanate Lakhnau Mulk Awadh Akhtarnagar)

Indo-Greek: Menander I (155-130 BC), AR Bilingual Drachm, Pushkalavati mint

2010-08-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menander_I
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pushkalavati

Mass=2.2 g

Obverse Diademed bust left, holding spear; Greek legend, ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ (Of Saviour King Menander)

Reverse Athena advancing right, holding thunderbolt and shield; Karosthi legend Maharaja Tratasa Menadrasa (Of the King, the Saviour, Menander); monogram left

Mahmud of Ghazni (AH384-421,997-1030AD), AR "Yamini" Dirhem (Type 1c), AH389-421

2010-08-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

Mass=3.0 g

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahmud_of_Ghazni

Obverse Kufic La Ilaha Illa/Allah WahDahu/La Sharik Lahu (in three lines) [There is no god except Allah; He is Alone (Unique), there is no partner to Him]; 'Adl above, Yamini below

Reverse Kufic Muhammad Rasool Allah/Al-Qadir Billah/Yamin Al-Daulah (in three lines) [Muhammad is the prophet of Allah, Al-Qadir Billah (name of the Caliph), Yamin Al-Daulah (Mahmud's title, meaning "Right Hand of the Empire")]; Abu Al-Qasim above, Mahmud below

Vijayasena as Mahakshatrapa (SE 162-172/240-250 AD), AR Drachm, SE 163 (241 AD)

2010-08-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Mass=2.0 g

Obverse Bust facing right with close-fitting headdress; blundered Greek legend around. Dated 163 SE (Saka era) (163+78=241 AD)

Reverse Center: Three-arched hill (chaitya), crescent and star above, river below; Around: Brahmi legend Rajno Mahaksatrapasa Damasenaputrasa Rajno Mahaksatrapasa Vijayasenasa (King, Great Viceroy Damasena's son, King, Great Viceroy Vijayasena)

Qutb al-Din Bahadur Shah (AH 932 – 943; 1526–1537 AD), Billon Tanka with "Shah-i-Hind" couplet, AH937, Mint Shahr-i-Mukrram Muhammadabad (Champaner), R2289 Goron G361

2010-08-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Mass=8.5 g
Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahadur_Shah_of_Gujarat

This coin bears one of my favourite couplets:

Harkera Ruye Riwaji Hast Bar Sathe Zamin
Sikka-i-Iqbal Shah-i-Hind Darab Bar Jabin

Whosoever possesses name and fame on the surface of the Earth
Bears on his forehead the stamp of the glory of the sovereign of India

These coins were tentatively attributed to Babur by Dr. Taylor (Numismatic Supplement XXXIII). Later, S.H. Hodivala attributed them to Qutb al-Din Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (Numismatic Supplement XL) and discovered parts of the mint name (Shahr-i-Mukrram Muhammadabad) in the margins of some specimens. These were issued between AH 935 and 940, the period during which Bahadur gained victories over the rulers of Deccan, Bidar, Malwa, and Ujjain.

Two varieties are known. The first one (shown here) has the reverse legend inside a square, with the mint name in the margins. The second type, issued in AH938 and 939, doesn't have the square and the mint name is absent,

Obverse Harkera Ruye Riwaji Hast Bar Sathe Zamin (Whosoever possesses name and fame on the surface of the Earth); Mint mark

Reverse Sikka-i-Iqbal Shah-i-Hind Darab Bar Jabin (Bears on his forehead the stamp of the glory of the sovereign of India); AH937

Mughals: Shah Alam II (AH1174-1221, 1759-1806 AD) (Issued by local governor Mirza Najaf Khan), Rupee, Kora mint, RY 11, KM#651

2009-11-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

Mass=11.2 g
Note: Sword on obverse

Obverse

Reverse

Awadh: Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar as Nawab (AH1230-1234/1814-1819 AD), Rupee in the name of Shah Alam II, Mint Muhammadabad Banaras, AH1232/Frozen RY26, KM#1

2009-11-29T05:28:00.000-08:00

Mass=11.1 g
Mint Mark=Flag and Star

Obverse

Reverse

Tibet: Ga-Den Tangka, Type F, ND (ca. 1912-22), Y#F13.4

2009-11-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_tangka

Mass=4.1 g

Obverse: Center: Stylized Lotus; Around: brka-shis rtags-brgyad (the eight auspecious symbols in eight radiating petals; see note below).

Reverse: Center: Eight-petalled wheel (flower) within a star; Around: Tibetan inscription (broken into eight oval frames; starting from top, moving clockwise) dga'-ldan pho-bran-phyod-las-rnam-rgyal (The Palace of Ga-den is victorious in all directions) (Note: The Ga-Den Palace was the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, located in Drepung Monastery near Lhasa.)

The eight auspecious symbols
The eight symbols depicted on the coin are:

1. White Parasol/Umbrella of sovereignty
2. Two golden fish of good fortune
3. Treasure vase/Amphora of ambrosia
4. Lotus
5. Right-spiraling White conch shell
6. Endless knot/Emblem of endless birth
7. Banner of victory
8. Golden Wheel/Wheel of Dharma

For details of their significance, see The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist symbols By Robert Beer

Tibet: Sho-gang, BE 15-58 (1924 AD), Mekyl mint, Y#21.1

2009-11-29T05:05:00.000-08:00

Mass=5.3 g

Obverse Lion standing, looking backwards, enclosed in a 11-mm diameter circle surrounded by eight connecting fleurets containing Tibetan legend dga'-ldan-pho-bran-phyogs-las-rnam-rgyal (The Ga-den Palace, victorious in all directions). (Note: The Ga-Den Palace was the former residence of the Dalai Lamas, located in Drepung Monastery near Lhasa.) A bead is placed at the top of each of the lines joining the fleurets.

Reverse Sho-gang in center; Around: Rab-byang-15-lo-58 (Cycle 15-Year 58); Beaded border; five arabesques located at NE, SE, SW, and NW. The cycle and the year can be uses to obtain the AD date using the following formula: Number of cycles - 1 * 60 + Number of Years + 1026. Therefore, this coin would be dated 15 - 1 * 60 + 58 + 1026 = 1924 AD.

Jahangir, Rupee in the pre-ascention name Salim Shah, Ahmadabad mint, Ilahi month (03) Khurdad (Gemini), ND (RY2), "Malik-al-Mulk" couplet, KM#140.2

2009-08-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

Emperor Jahangir, Color and gold on paper, 17th century
(Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahangir)

Description (from Catalogue of Coins in the Panjab Museum, Lahore: Vol. II by R.B. Whitehead):
"On the silver coins that issued from the Ahmadabad mint during the first nine months of Jahangir's reign, the emperor is called by his pre-ascention name Salim. The first five coins starting from the month Aban are dated '50', referring to the fiftieth year of Akbar's reign, while the other four are of regnal year 2. Salimi coppers are also known."

Emperor Jahangir receiving his two sons, Gouache on paper (c. 1605-1606 AD)

This coin has the Malik-al-Mulk (Lord of the Realm) couplet:

Malik-al-Mulk Sikka-e-Zad Bar Zar
Salim Shah Sultan, Shah Akbar

The Lord of the Realm Struck Money of Gold
Salim Shah Sultan, Shah Akbar('s son)

Mass=11.4 g

Obverse Malik-al-Mulk Sikka-e-Zad Bar Zar (The Lord of the Realm Struck Money of Gold); Zarb Ahmadabad (Struck at Ahmadabad)

Reverse Salim Shah Sultan, Shah Akbar [Salim Shah Sultan, Shah Akbar('s son)]; Ilahi month Khurdad (Zodiac sign Gemini); RY 2

Akbar, Anonymous Rupee (Rebellion issue of Prince Salim), "Bagharb-wa-Sharq" couplet, Allahabad mint, ND Variety, KM97.1

2009-08-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

Mass=11.3 g

Description (from The Standard Guide to South Asian Coins and Paper Money Since 1556 and Mr. Lingen's comments on Zeno):
"During the last decade of Akbar's reign, his son Salim [later Emperor Jahangir] grew increasingly restive in his desire to assume supreme power. He rebelled outright several times, and, as governor of Allahbad Province, refused to recognize Akbar's suzereignty. The silver coins of Allahabad of this period were issued anonymously without following the imperial style, but with a Persian poetic couplet [and sometimes the Ilahi month and date. Ilahi years 44 to 49 are known, as well as a not dated variety (this one)]."

This coin has the Bagharb-wa-Sharq (In the West and the East) couplet:

Hamesha Hamchu Z're Mihir Wa Mah Raij Bad
Bagharb-wa-Sharq Jahan Sikka Allahabad

Like the Gold of Sun* and the Moon, May Always be Current,
In the West and the East of the World, the Coin of Allahabad

*I think "Gold" here applies only to "Mihir" (Sun) and not "Mah" (moon). Due to similarity of colour, gold is often equated with the sun and moon with silver in poetic couplets. Or maybe "Z're" in this couplet was intended to have a more generic meaning (e.g., money).

Obverse Hamesha Hamchu Z're Mihir Wa Mah Raij Bad (Like the Gold of Sun and the Moon, May Always be Current)

Reverse Bagharb-wa-Sharq Jahan Sikka Allahabad (In the West and the East of the World, the Coin of Allahabad)

Prince Salim

From The Oxford History of India by Vincent A. Smith:

"Prince Salim continued in open rebellion, holding court as a king in Allahabad. In August 1602 he inflicted a terrible blow upon his father's feelings by hiring a robber chief named Bir Singh Bundela to murder Akbar's trusted friend and counsellor Abu-l Fazl, whom the prince hated and feared. A temporary and insincere reconciliation between father and son was patched up by Salima Begam in 1603. But no real peace was possible until after the death of Prince Daniyal, which occurred in April 1604, when he died from effects of drink, like his brother Murad. Salim being then the only son left, Akbar became really anxious to arrange terms with him. The one other possible successor was Salim's son, Prince Khusru, a popular and amiable youth, whose claims were favoured by Raja Man Singh and Aziz Koka.

In November 1604 Salim was persuaded to come to court, probably under threats that, if he refused, Khusru would be declared heir apparent. His father recieved him with seeming cordiality. He then drew him suddenly into an inner apartment, slapped him soundly in the face, and confined him in a bathroom under the charge of a physician and two servants, as if he were a lunatic requiring medical treatment. After a short time, the length of which is variously stated, Akbar released his son, restored him to favour, made him viceroy of the province to which Danuyal had been appointed, and allowed him to reside at Agra as the acknowleded heir apparent

The prince was cowed by his father's rough handling and gave no further trouble."

Also of interest:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali

India, Mughal Dynasty: Jahandar Shah (AH1124), Rupee, Mint Dal Al Khilafat Shahjahanabad, Abu Al-Fateh Couplet; KM#363.21

2009-03-15T03:17:00.000-07:00

Jahandar Shah (AH1124) (Jahandar="World-owner")
Accession: 10 April 1712
Deposition: 3 Jan 1713

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahandar_Shah

Obverse Abu'l Fateh Couplet:

"Dar Aafak Zad Sikka Chun Mihr Wa Mah
Abu Al-Fateh Ghazi Jahandar Shah"

Stuck Coin in the horizons like sun and moon
Father of Victory, Fighter against Infidels, Jahandar Shah

Reverse Zarb Dar Al Khilafat Shahjahanabad Mubarak Sanah Ahd (Stuck at Seat of Caliphate Shahjahanabad [in the] Auspecious Year 1 [of his reign])

(Ref. KM#363.21)

Delhi Sultanate, Suris: Rupee of Islam Shah (AH952-960,1545-1552 AD), "1477"-type

2009-03-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a "1477"-type Rupee (Goron/Goenka D980) in the name of Islam Shah Suri, named so because it has a mysterious number 1477 along with a symbol resembling the Star of David in the top margin of the obverse. The significance of this number is not known for sure. One theory is that "1477" refers to the accession year of the Cooch Bihar king Nara Narayana (Sake 1477 or 1555 AD). The coinage of Cooch Behar by Nicholas Rhodes and S.K.Bose has the following note on these coins:

"It is interesting to note that certain rupees of Islam Shah, with no mint name, but clearly struck in Bengal, perhaps at Tanda, have a 'pseudo date', 1477, in Arabic numerals above the reverse. These pieces are dated 952-60 AH (1545-1552 AD), whereas 1477 saka = 1555 AD, or three years after the end of Islam Shah's reign. These pieces may either be posthumous issues with pseudo AH date, struck by Nara Narayan, with his accession year indicate, or it is possible that '1477' has some meaning other then AH date."

Obverse Inside square: Islam Shah Ibn Sher Shah Sultan Khallad Allah Mulkahu (Islam Shah, Son of Sher Shah Sultan, May God Perpetuate His Kingdom). In Nagari (blundered): "Sri Islam Shah(i)". Margins: "1477" and "Star of David" (Top), Jalal Al Dunya (Glory of (the) World) (Left), Wa Deen Abu Al Muzaffar (and Faith, Father of the Conqueror, i.e., the supreme conqueror) (Bottom), Al Sultan Ibn Al Sultan (The Sultan, Son of the Sultan) (Right).

Reverse Inside square: Kalima La Ilaha Illalah Muhammad Rasool Allah, [There is]No God Except Allah, Muhammad [is the] Prophet [of] Allah. Note the use of Shadda (Tashdids) over the word "Allah" on this coin. Margins: Names of the four Caliphs---Osman Al-Affan (Top), Omar Al-Farooq (Left), Abu Bakris Siddiq (Bottom), Ali Al-Murtaza (Right).

Delhi Sultanate, Tughluqs: Ghiyas al-Din Tughluq (720-725AH,1320-1325AD), 2 Gani

2009-03-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Obverse Al-Sultan Al-Ghazi Ghiyas Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The sultan, the one who fights against infidels, aid of [the] world and of faith)

Reverse In centre: Tughlak Shah (in Arabic). In margin "Sri Sultan Gayasuddin" (in Nagari)

(Ref. R1080, Goron D312, Tye 438)

Delhi Sultanate, Tughluqs: Ghiyas al-Din Tughluq (720-725AH,1320-1325AD), 4 Gani

2009-03-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

Khusru Khan, who ascended the throne after murdering Qutb al-Din Mubarak, only reigned for a few months. He was defeated and beheaded by Ghazi Malik, a Qaraunah Turk noble, Governor of Debalpur in Panjab. Everything was in utter confusion and no male scion of the royal stock had been left in existence.

The nobles elected Ghazi Malik to fill the vacant throne. He ascended the throne on September 8, 1320 under the title Ghiyas al-Din Tughluq Shah. He was a man of humble origin. His father, a Turk, had been a slave of Sultan Balban; his mother, a Jat woman, was Indian. He began his career as an ordinary trooper and rose to a position of importance through his ability and hard labour. As the Governor of Debalpur, he is said to have repelled Mongol attacks on twenty-nine occasions (which earned him the title Malik Al-Ghazi). His conduct justified the faith put in him by the nobles who elected him. He restored a reasonable amount of order to the internal administration and took measures to guard against the ever present danger of a Mongol invasion.

He sent his son Juna Khan into Deccan, where the countries conquered by 'Ala Al-Din had refused obedience. The prince reached Warangal and laid siege to the fort. The strong walls resisted his efforts, pestilence broke out, his men deserted, and he was forced to return to Delhi. But a second expedition was more successful, resulting in the capture of both Bidar and Warangal. The sultan, meanwhile, having been invited to intervene in a disputed succession, had marched across Bengal and on his way home had annexed Tirhut (Mithila).

While in Bengal, the sultan received disquieting news of prince Juna's behaviour in Delhi. It was said that the prince was increasing the number of his followers in order to have a sizable party of his own. He had also become a desciple of Shaikh Nizamuddin Auliya, who was in bad terms with his father and was reported to have prophesized that the prince would soon replace his father as sultan. These reports enraged the sultan and he headed back to Delhi. Juna Khan erected a wooden pavilion at Afghanpur, a village six miles to the south-east of Delhi to accord reception to his father. It is said that "the building was so designed as to fall when touched in a certain part by the elephants...". The prince entertained his father under the pavilion, and, when the meal was over, requested his father to let him have a view of the elephants he had brought from Bengal. The elephants were brought and paraded. As soon as they came in contact with a certain part of the building, the whole structure collapsed and Ghiyas al-Din, along with his favourite son, prince Mahmud Khan, was crushed. Juna khan made a pretence of sending for picks and shovels to dig out his father and brother, but purposely hindered action being taken until it was too late. The sultan was found bending over the young prince's body, and if he still breathed, as some people assert that he did, was finished off (AD 1325). After nightfall, his body was removed and interred in the massive sepulchre which he had prepared for himself in Tughluqabad, the mighty fortress he had built near Delhi.

Obverse Al-Sultan Al-Ghazi Ghiyas Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The sultan, the one who fights against infidels, aid of [the] world and of faith)

Reverse Abu Al-Muzaffar Tughlak Shah Al-Sultan (Father of the conqueror [Supreme conqueror], Tughlak Shah, the Sultan), 724

(Ref. R1079, Goron D311, Tye 437)

The 1939-1945 Star

2009-02-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

The 1939/45 Star was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. The medal was awarded for operational service between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945.

-Army personnel had to complete 6 months service in an operational command. Airborne troops qualified if they had participated in any airborne operations and had completed 2 months service in a fully operational unit.

-Air Force personnel had to participate in operations against the enemy providing that 2 months service had been completed in an operational unit. Non-aircrew personnel had to complete 6 months service in an area of operational army command.

-Naval personnel qualified if they completed 6 months service, and at least 1 voyage was made through an operational area.

-Royal Observer Corps personnel were awarded the Star for a service of 1080 days.

The star was immediately awarded if the service period was terminated by death, disability or wounding. The award of a gallantry medal or a Mention in Despatches also led to an immediate award.

The Star is made of yellow copper zinc alloy.

Obverse Central design of the Royal Cypher, surmounted by a crown. The cypher is surrounded by a circlet containing the words ‘The 1939-45 Star'.

Reverse Plain (recipient's name was impressed only for Australian and South African issues)

The Defence Medal 1939-1945

2009-02-28T04:53:00.000-08:00

The 1939-45 Defence Medal was a campaign medal of the British Commonwealth, awarded for service in World War II. It was instituted to recognise both military and some types of civilian service.

The qualifying time required depending on the area served is:

-UK: 1080 days
-Overseas non-operational: 360 days
-Overseas non-operational in an area deemed to be closely threatened or subject to air attack: 180 days

The British issue medals (the one shown here) were made of cupro-nickel.

Obverse: Uncrowned head of King George VI facing left. Inscription GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR. OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP (George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India); designer's initials 'HP' (for T. Hugh Paget) below the neck.

Reverse: Royal Crown resting top of an oak tree (designer's monogram, 'HWP', for Wilson Parker, below), flanked by a lion and a lioness. 'THE DEFENCE MEDAL' below and '1939' and '1945' at the top left and right, respectively.

The War Medal 1939-1945

2009-02-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

The War Medal 1939-1945 was a British decoration awarded to those who had served in the Armed Forces and Merchant Marines full-time for at least 28 days between 3 September 1939 and 2 September 1945. In the Merchant Navy, the 28 days must have been served at sea.

The British issue medals (the one shown here) were made of cupro-nickel.

Obverse: Crowned head of King George VI facing left. Inscription GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP (George VI by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India). Initials of the designer'PM'(Percy Metcalfe) under the neck

Reverse: British lion standing on the body of a double-headed dragon (its two heads, those of an eagle and a dragon, signify the principal occidental and oriental enemies). At the top, just right of centre are the dates 1939/1945 in two lines. Initials 'E CRP' are those of the designer E. Carter Preston.

Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: Billon 6 Gani of Nasir Al-Din Khusru (April 15, 1320 to September 5, 1320; AH 720) (Ref. R1055, D295, Rare)

2009-02-22T02:16:00.000-08:00

Khusru had realised that it would not be possible for him to capture the throne without an army of his own. He asked Sultan Mubarak for permission to raise an army of 40,000 horsemen, consisting mostly of the Bharvars (Shepherd caste) of Gujarat, a tribe to which Khusru himself belonged. Unaware of his motives, the Sultan agreed. Next, Khusru requested that his relations and friends should be allowed to enter the palace if they had any urgent work with him. This request, too, was granted. Khusru now had his assasination plan ready. Sultan Mubarak was warned of Khusrus's intentions by his former tutor, but paid no heed to the warning.

On the night of April 14, 1320 AD, Khusru's troops entered the palace and murdered the royal guards. The noise reached the upper quarters and the Sultan enquired Khusru about it. Khusru replied that the men were trying to catch some horses that had broken loose. As he spoke these words, his men reached Mubarak's room. The sultan tried to run away but Khusru siezed him by the hair and Jaharia, one of Khusru's followers, stabbed him to death. His head was severed and thrown down into the courtyard.

Immediately after the murder, Khusru summoned the chief nobles of the court and, with their consent, ascended the throne under the title of Nasir Al-Din Khusru Shah on April 15, 1320. He proceeded to win over most nobles and officers by a lavish distribution of honors and awards. However, his rule did not last long. Ghazi Malik, the warden of the Marches, instigated the lower officers against the new king and formented a rebellion. As Ghazi Malik approached Delhi, Khusru came out to meet the rebels near Indraprastha. Despite his supporter Ain Al-Mulk withdrawing with his troops to Malwa, Khusru fought boldly on September 5, 1320, but was defeated and killed on the same day.

Obverse Al Sultan Al Azim Nasir Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The Sultan, the greatest one, Defender of the World and of Faith)

Reverse Abu Al Muzaffar Khusrow Shah 720 (Father of the Conqueror [i.e., the supreme conqueror] Khusrow Shah, 720 AH [1320 AD])

Khiljis: Qutb-al-Din Mubarak (716-720 AH,1316-1320AD), 8 Gani

2009-02-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

‘Ala’ al-Din Muhammad suffered from many troubles in his later years and success no longer attended him. His naturally violent temper became uncontrollable and he allowed his infatuation for Malik Kafur to influence all his actions. His health failed, dropsy developed, and he died in January 1316. According to some, the infamous Malik Kafur helped his disease to a fatal termination.

Malik Kafur placed an infant son of ‘Ala’ al-Din (Shihab al-Din ‘Umar) on the throne, reserving all power for himself. He imprisoned, blinded, or killed most other members of the royal family. His criminal rule, however, lasted only thirty-five days and he and his companions were beheaded by their slave guards.

Mubarak Khan, a son of ‘Ala’ al-Din who had escaped destruction, was placed on the throne as Qutb-al-Din Mubarak. The young sultan turned out to be wholly evil. He was infatuated with a youth named Hasan, whom he ennobled under the style of Khusru Khan. "During his reign of four years and four months, the sultan attended to nothing but drinking, listening to music, debauchery, and pleasure...". By good luck the Mongols did not attack. Had they done so, they would have encounterd little resistance. Qutb-al-Din Mubarak attained two military successes. His officers tightened the hold of his government on Gujarat and he personally led an army against Harpal Deo, the king of Deogiri who had revolted. The king offered little resistance and was barbarously flayed alive. After his triumphant return, the sultan became even worse.

"He gave way to wrath and obscenity, to severity, revenge, and heartlessness. He dipped his hands in innocent blood, and he allowed his tongue to utter disgusting and abusive words to his companions and attendants.... He cast aside all regard for decency and presented himself decked out in the trinkets and apparel of a female before his assembled company..."

Ultimately, Mubarak was murdered by his minion Khusru Khan "and the basis of the dynasty of ‘Ala’ al-Din was utterly razed".

Obverse: In centre: Qutb Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (Axis/Pole of world and of faith). In Margins: Abu Al-Muzaffar Khalifat Allah (Father of [the] conqueror [i.e., the supreme conqueror], Deputy of God)

Reverse: Mubarak Shah Al-Sultan Ibn Al-Sultan (Mubarak Shah, the Sultan, son of the Sultan), 718

(Ref. R 1023, Goron D271, T 422.1)

Breakup of the inscription
Obverse
Centre: Kaf+Toe+Be=Kutb
Alif+Lam=Al
Da+Nun+Ye (medial form)=Dunya
Waw=Wa
Alif+Lam=Al
Da+Ye+Nun=Deen
Margins: Alif+Be+Waw=Abu
Alif+Lam=Al
Mim+Zoe+Fe+Re=Muzaffar
Khe+Lam+Fe+He (?)=Khalifah
Alif+Lam+Lam+He=Allah

Reverse
Mim+Be+Alif+Re+Kaf=Mubarak
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah
Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial) (invisible on these coins!)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan
Alif+Be+Nun=Ibn
Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial) (invisible on these coins!)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan

Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: ‘Ala’ al-Din Muhammad (695–715AH,1296-1316AD), 6 Gani

2009-02-22T02:04:00.000-08:00

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ala_ud_din_Khilji

Obverse Al-sultan Al-Azim 'Ala Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The Sultan, the greatest one, excellence of the world and of the faith)

Reverse Abu Al-Muzaffar Muhammad Shah Al-Sultan (Father of the victorious, Muhammad Shah, the Sultan)

(Ref. R991, Goron D232, Tye 418.1)

Break-up of the inscription:
Obverse

First line: Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial) (invisible on these coins!)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan
Alif+Lam=Al
Second line: 'Ain (initial form)+Zoe+Mim=Azim
'Ain (initial form)+Lam+Alif='Ala
Alif+Lam=Al
Da (of Dunya)
Third line: Nun+Ye (medial form)=Dunya
Waw=Wa
Alif+Lam=Al
Da+Ye+Nun=Deen

Reverse

First line: Alif+Be+Waw=Abu
Alif+Lam=Al
Mim+Zoe+Fe+Ra=Muzaffar
Second line: Mim+Ha+Mim+Da=Muhammad
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah
Third line: Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial) (invisible on these coins!)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan

Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: ‘Ala al-Din Muhammad (695–715AH,1296-1316AD), 2 Gani

2009-02-22T01:59:00.000-08:00

Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: Rukn al-din Ibrahim (695 AH, 1296 AD), Jital

2009-01-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

Immediately after the murder of Jalal-ud-din Firuz ‘Ala-ud-din was proclaimed Sultan. The division in Firuz’s family helped ‘Ala-ud-din’s cause. In total disregard of Arkali Khan, the eldest surviving son, the queen-mother Malikah-i-Jahan declared her second son, Qadr Khan, as Sultan with the title of Rukn-al-din Ibrahim.

The supporters of Arkali Khan at Delhi refused to recognize Ibrahim. Ala-ud-din lost no time and marched on Delhi with "iron in one hand and gold in the other". At Bada’un, he met an army sent from Delhi but it was won over by lavish distribution of gold. As Ala-ud-din approached Delhi, Ibrahim came out to give a fight but the bulk of his army deserted him. Ibrahim was forced to flee to Multan with the queen-mother and Ahmed Chap. Ala-ud-din marched into Delhi and resided in the Red Palace of Balban on Oct. 20, 1296.

After reorganization, he sent Ulugh Khan and Zafar Khan with a large army to Multan to deal with the sons of the late Sultan Firuz. Multan was besieged and the city surrendered. Arkali Khan, Ibrahim, and Ahmad Chap were taken captive alongwith the queen-mother. The two princes were blinded and later executed, while the queen-mother was kept under surveillance at Delhi.

Obverse Al-sultan Al-Azim Rukn Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The Sultan, the greatest one, the pillar/foundation of the world and of the faith)

Reverse Ibrahim Shah Bin Firoz Shah (Ibrahim Shah, son of Firoz Shah)

(Ref. R980, Goron D212, Tye 416.1; Rare)

Break-up of the inscription:
Obverse

First line: Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan
Alif+Lam=Al
Second line: 'Ain (initial form)+Zoe+Mim=Azim
Ra+Kaf+Nun=Rukn
Alif+Lam=Al
Da (of Dunya)
Third line: Nun+Ye (medial form)=Dunya
Waw=Wa
Alif+Lam=Al
Da+Ye+Nun=Deen

Reverse

Alif+Be+Ra+Alif+He+Ye+Min=Ibrahim
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah
Be+Nun=Bin
Fe+Ye+Re+Waw+Ze=Feroz
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah

Delhi Sultanate, Khiljis: Jalal al-Din Firoz ( 689-695 AH, 1290–1296AD), Jital

2009-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

Malik Firoz was a Turk of the Khilji tribe. His ancestors, having migrated from Turkistan, had lived in Garmsir in Afghanistan for over 200 years. Firoz's family migrated to Delhi and took up service under the Turkish sultans. Firoz rose to the important position of Sar-i-jandar (head of the royal bodygard) and was subsequently appointed the governor of Samana. Later, Sultan Kaiqubad promoted him to the high office of army minister. At this time, he was among the most experienced and powerful Turkish noblemen in Delhi. The orthodox Turks regarded Firoz and his tribe as Afghans and were not too happy with his success. Two Turkish nobels, Malik Aitemar and Malik Surkha, planned to get rid of Firoz and the other "non-Turkish" officers. This led to a conflict between the two parties in which Firoz emerged victorious. Firuz now set himself up as the regent of the infant king Shams al-Din Kayumarth. The next step was to put both Kaiqubad (who was paralyzed) and Kayumarth to death and sieze the throne. This accomplished, Firoz ascended to the throne in March 1290 and assumed the title of Sultan Jalal al-Din Firuz. He was an old man of about 70 at this time.

His election was so unpopular that he did not even reside in Delhi. Instead, he lived in Kaiqubad's palace in the village of Kilokhri, a short distance outside. His administration is criticized as having been too lenient. On one occasion, 1000 thugs (cheats) were arrested in Delhi, but instead of punishing them Firoz ordered them to be transported through boats to Gaur, the captal of Bengal, where they were set free. Only on one occasion did he exercise capital punishment. The person executed was a holy man by the name of Sidi Maula, whose death was followed by a dust storm and a severe famine. People believed these events to be a result of the saint's curse on the sultan.

In 1294, ‘Ala’ al-Din Muhammad, Feroz's nephew and son-in law, obtained his permission for leading an expedition into Malwa. But he went much further, plunging into the heart of Deccan, keeping his movements concealed from the court. He marched through Berar and Khandesh and compelled Ramachandra, the king of Deogiri and the Western Deccan, to surrender Ellichpur. ‘Ala’ al-Din collected vast amount of treasure and showed no disposition to share it with his sovereign. His treasonable intentions were clear to everybody except his doting uncle and father-in-law Firoz, who closed his ears to all warnings and behaved like a person infatuated. Ultimately, Jalal al-Din was persuaded to place himself in the power of his nephew at Kara in the Allahbad district. When the sultan grasped the traitor's hand, the signal was given. He was thrown down and decapitated. His severed head was stuck on a spear and carried round the camp.

Obverse Al-Sultan Al-Azim Jalal Al-Dunya Wa Al-Deen (The Sultan, the greatest one, the glory of the world and of the faith)

Reverse Inside central square (in Arabic): Firuz Shah. In margin (in Nagari): Sri Sultan Jalaludin

(Ref. R966, Goron D200, Tye 414.1)

Break-up of the inscription:
Obverse

First line: Alif+Lam=Al
Sin (medial)+Lam+Toe+Alif+Nun (detached form)=Sultan
Alif+Lam=Al
Second line: Ain (initial)+Zoe+Mim=Azim
Jim+Lam+Alif+Lam=Jalal
Alif+Lam=Al
Da (of Dunya)
Third line: Nun+Ye (medial form)=Dunya
Waw=Wa
Alif+Lam=Al
Da+Ye+Nun=Deen

Reverse

Fe+Ye+Re+Waw+Ze=Feroz
Shin (initial form)+Alif+He (detached form)=Shah

Ghorids: Jital of Mahmud bin Muhammad bin Sam (602-609 AH, 1206-1212 AD)

2009-01-26T07:08:00.000-08:00

Shanshabãnî or Ghorid Dynasty (1149-1206)

By the beginning of the 12th century the Shanshabãnî had extended their authority over the other Ghorid chiefs and their power rivaled that of the Ghaznavids on their southern border and the Seljuks on their northern border. Honoring this strength, Malik al-Jibal (meaning "King of the Mountain") laid out the foundations of a great capital city called Firozkoh, which some believe to have been at Jam where a magnificent minaret now stands. Malik Qutubuddin was unable, however, to finish his city for he had a falling out with his brothers (he had seven) and was forced to leave for Ghazni where he was well received and well respected until Sultan Bahram Shah (1118-1152), jealous of his increasing popularity, served him with a glass of poisoned sherbet (1146). His murder led to a relentless enmity between Ghor and Ghazni.

One by one, the brothers left their mountain capital with their armies: the first brother captured Ghazni and afterwards sent his army back to Ghor whereupon the Sultan returned to torture him to death; the second brother died on his way to revenge the new death (1149); the third, Alauddin, defeated the Sultan Bahram Shah in the vicinity of modern Kandahar (1151). The Sultan fell back in retreat upon Ghazni which "Alauddin took by storm, and during seven nights and days fired the place, and burnt it with obstinacy and wantonness. . . During these seven days, the air, from the blackness of the smoke, continued as black as night; and those nights, from the flames raging in the burning city, were lighted up as light as day. During these seven days likewise, rapine, plunder and massacre were carried out with the utmost pertinacity and vindictiveness." (Juzjani). Thus, Alauddin earned the title of Jahãnsûz or "World Burner". Ghazni was, however, occupied by the Seljûks soon after and, later on, by the Guzz Turks. It was only in 1175 that the Ghorids succeeded in reoccupying it.

Ghiyãs-ud-Dîn Muhammad bin Sãm, who succeeded his uncle Alãudd-Dîn Jahãnsûz at Firuz Koh, appointed his younger brother, Shihãb-ud-Dîn Muhammad bin Sãm, as the governor of Ghazni. Shihãb-ud-Dîn (1175-1206) occupied Sindh and Multan, ousted the last Ghaznivid ruler from Lahore, defeated the Chauhãns of Ajmer and the Gahadvalas of Kanauj, and extended his conquests upto the borders of Bengal. His conquests were consolidated mainly by his able general, Qutb-ud-Dîn Aibak. Another general of his, Ikhtiyãr-ud-Dîn Bakhtiyãr Khaljî, ousted the forces of Bengal from Lakhnauti and led an unsuccessful expedition into Assam and Bhutan.

Meanwhile, Shihãb-ud-Dîn had become the king of Ghor on the death of his brother in 1203 and styled himself as Muizz-ud-Dîn Muhammad bin Sãm. He is popularly known as Muhammad Ghori, and regarded as the founder of Muslim rule in India. He was murdered in 1206. There being no children, the empire was divided. Mahmud, son of Ghiyãs-ud-Dîn Muhammad bin Sãm, succeeded in Ghor. The east passed to various generals who had conducted Mu’iz Muhammad’s campaigns. These generals were purchased slaves, hence the terms “Slave kings" or "Slave dynasty". Ghazna and its environs was ruled by slave general Taj Al-Din Yildiz. Sind was administered by Nasir Al-Din Qubacha, while Delhi went to Qutb Al-Din Aybak. Mahmud, meanwhile, was deposed in 1212 by the Khwarezmshah, ‘Ala Al-Din Muhammad.

Mahmud's coins are scarcer than those of his uncle, and most are rare. On the coins of the type shown below (of Lahore fabric), the Nagari letters follow the models of Sindhi or Punjabi alphabets in the reversal of the lower limb of the "Ha" and the open top of the "Ma".

Obverse Al Sultan Al Azim Mahmud bin Muhammad bin Sam (The Sultan, the Magnificent, Mahmud son of Mumammad bin Sam)

Reverse Horseman to right; Sri Hamira (Amir) above

Portuguese India: Uma (1) Rupia, 1882

2009-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

D.Luiz Filippe succeeded his brother to the throne of Portugal on November 11, 1861. He reigned until October 19, 1889.

The currency of Portuguese India was changed to a new standard as a result of the Luso-Britannic Convention of 1880 with the silver rupee (Uma Rupia), eleven-twelfths pure silver .916 fine and weighing 11.66 grams. Half-rupee (Meia Rupia), quarter-rupee (Quarto De Rupia), and eighth-rupee (Oitavo De Rupia) as divisions were minted at both the Calcutta and Bombay mints to the same standards corresponding to the coinage of British India. The rupee and half-rupee were struck dated 1881 and 1882, while the quarter-rupee and eight-rupee were issued only in 1881. A copper coinage was issued dated 1881, 1884, 1886, and 1888 with a much higher mintage.

Obverse Bare head of Luiz I left, LUDOVICUS I PORTUG ET ALGARB REX 1882 (Luiz I, King of Portugal and the Algarve, 1882)

Reverse Crowned plain shield, having on it seven castle towers, surrounding a cross made of five shields, all within wreath of laurel and oak; INDIA PORTUGUEZA UMA RUPIA (Portuguese India, 1 Rupee)

Mughal Dynasty: Rupee of Akbar, Kalima Type, 982AH (1574 AH), Mint Agra(?)

2009-01-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

Obverse Kalima-e-Tayyab: La illaha illallah Mohammad Rasool Allah, "(There is) No god except Allah (and) Muhammad (is the) Prophet (of) Allah

Reverse Jalal-al din Muhammad Akbar Badshah Ghazi, 982 (Glory of the faith, Emperor Muhammad Akbar, warrior against the infidels)

The mint (which appears at the bottom of the reverse) is off the flan but, based on the style of the coin, I think it could be Agra.

Mughal Dynasty: Rupee of Jahangir (AH1014-1037/1605-1628AD), Ahmadabad, AH1027, RY13 (KM149.4)

2009-01-03T03:26:00.000-08:00

On Jahangir Rupees of this type, the obverse and the reverse form a distich or poetic couplet. The Ahmadabad Rupee shown here has an inayat (meaning blessing/kindness/grace) couplet.

Obverse Shahe Noor-ed din Jahangir, ibn Akbar Badshah (King Noor-ed din Jahangir, son of Emperor Akbar), Ry 13

Reverse Sikka Zad Dar Ahmadabad Az Enayate Elah (Stuck money at Ahmadabad, by the blessing of God), AH 1027 (1617 AD)

Rupee of Akbar (AH963-1014/AD1556-1605), mint Ahmadabad, Ilahi yr 40 or 46, Mihr

2009-01-03T03:19:00.000-08:00

Obverse
Allahu Akbar Jalla Jalalahu (God is great, bright is his glory)
(Note: Interestingly, the same words, slightly rearranged, can mean "Akbar is God, let his brightness shine forth.")

Reverse
Zarb Ahmadabad (40 or 46), Ilahi Mihr (Libra)

Rupee of Akbar (AH963-1014/AD1556-1605), mint Ahmadabad, AH996

2009-01-03T01:37:00.000-08:00

Originally, all coins issued by Akbar were round. Square silver and gold coins were issued (along with the round ones) for a short period, between 993 and 998 AH (i.e., regnal years 30 and 35). Almost all coins issued after 998 AH are round.

Variation is also found in the inscriptions on the coins. Till about 1585 AD (reynal year 29), gold and silver coins had Kalima (holy verses) inscribed on the obverse, along with the names of the four caliphs. The emperor's name (Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar Badshah Ghazi) appeared on the reverse (with or without titles), with the pious wish Khald Allah talah Mulk wa Saltanat, the mint name, and the Hijri year.

It appears that the Hijri year appeared on the coins in a regular manner till 988 AH, after which the word Alif was inscribed on the subsequent coins of most mints to represent 1000. On these coins, the name of the mint was replaced by Urdu zafar quarin (camp associated with victory). All this continued till 1585 AD, after which the change in Akbar's religious views was reflected in his coinage. The Kalima was replaced with the Ilahi creed "Allah Akbar Jalla Jalalah" (though not all mints used this formula). Name and titles of the emperor were not used on the subsequent coins, as he probable preferred to remain anonymous (though it may be argued that his name lies in the pun Allah Akbar).

Obverse Kalima (La' illaha illa' Allah, Muhammad ar Rasool Allah; There is no God but God, Muhammad is his Prophet)

Reverse
Khald Allah talah Mulk wa Saltanat 996 (May Allah on high perpetuate his kingdom 996)
Mohammad Akbar Badshah (Mohammad Akbar Emperor)
Jalal ed-din Ghazi (Glory of the faith, fighter against the infidels)
Zarb das es sultanate Ahmadabad (Struck at the Seat of the Sultanate, Ahmadabad)

Nanda Dynasty Karshapana (G/H Series IVd, Type 427) (c 370-320 BC)

2009-01-03T01:28:00.000-08:00

Some info on Mahapadma Nanda and his eight guns...err..sons:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahapadma_Nanda
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Dynasty

Obverse

Reverse

Mughal Dynasty: Anonymous fractional Dams of Humayun (AH 937-963; 1530-1556 AD), mint Agra

2009-01-03T01:22:00.000-08:00

Obverse Dar al Khilafat zarb Agra (Struck at the Seat of Leadership/Rule, Agra)

Reverse Fi Tarikh Sanat 9XX (At the date year 9XX). [The years are: Top row, 942 AH; Bottom row, 942AH, 94X AH, 94(2/3?)AH, and 94(2/3?) AH]

Azad Hind Cinderellas

2008-11-15T01:12:00.000-08:00

Info at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azad_Hind
For general info on cinderellas, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella_stamp

Shown below are seven cinderellas (imperf) of the Azad Hind series from my collection. These were printed for the provisional government of Azad Hind (Free India) at Reichsdruckerei (Government Printing Plant), Berlin.

Map of the Indian sub-continent, breaking the shackles for freedom, amidst two ceremonial swords.

Indian girl working at a Charkha

Plough farming a rice field; farmer; and Himalayas

Nurse comforting a wounded soldier

Sikh soldier with INA insignia aiming a German MG-34

The cinderellas shown above were designed by Werner and Maria von Axter-Heudtlass ("AX-HEU" appears on each one). Though not used postally, on 23 Jan, 1964 these were used in Calcutta on First Day Covers of two commemorative isses on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (with a special postmark "Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Netaji Bhavan, Calcutta. 23-1-64").

German Classics, Part 3

2008-11-15T01:02:00.000-08:00

Saxony

1 ng black, rose (1855-1860)

2 ng black, dark blue (1855-1860)

3 ng black, yellow (1855-1860)

1/2 ng black, gray (1855-1860)

1ng rose (1863)

2ng blue (1863)

1/2 ng orange (1863)

3 ng bister brown (1863)

German Classics, Part 2

2008-11-08T22:23:00.000-08:00

Prussia

2 gs black, blue (1850-1856 or 1858-1860)

1 sg rose (1861-1865)

2 sg ultra (1861-1865)

3 sg bister (1861-1865)

9 kr bister brown (1867)

9 kr bister brown (different shade) (1867)

German Classics, Part 1

2008-11-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

Baden

3 kr black, yellow (1851-1852)

6 kr black, yellow (1853-1858)

3 kr black, green (1853-1858)

6 kr prussian blue (1862)

9 kr brown (1862)

3 kr rose (1862-1865)

7 kr dull blue (1868)

3 kr rose (1868)

Killer Cancels: Part 1

2008-11-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

Rupee of Sher Shah Suri (AD 1486-1545), Gwalior Mint, 951 AH

2008-11-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

Info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sher_Shah_Suri

Obverse
Kalima-e-tayyabah (lā ilāha illā-llāh muhammadan rasūlu-llāh), enclosed in a square.
The margins should have the names of the four successors: Abu Bakr below, Umar at the left, Uthman above, and Ali at the right.

Reverse
Inside square (top): es-sultan Sher Shah khallad Allah mulkahu (the Sultan Sher Shah, may Allah perpetuate his kingdom)
Inside square (bottom): Devanagari legend "Sri Sersahi" (often very faulty, as on this coin).

The margins should have
farid ed-dunya wa as-din abu al-muzaffar zarb Gwalior (Unique one of the world and of the faith, father of the vioctorious, minting of Gwalior.)

Mint mark of Gwalior

Year: 951 AH (1544 AD)

PS: The word Rūpaya (Rupee) was first used by Sher Shah Suri.

Brazilian Classics, Part 1

2008-10-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Scott 64: 20r Red Lilac (July 1, 1866)

Scott 68: 100r Blue Green (July 1, 1866)

Scott 69: 200r Black (July 1, 1866)

Scott 73: 200r Black (1878-79)

Hungary: Stephen Horthy Memorial Stamp

2008-10-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

This stamp was issued on October 15, 1942 to commemorate the death of Stephen Horthy, elder son of Hungarian Regent Nicholas Horthy.

Stephen was elected Vice-Regent by the Hungarian Parliament on 19 Feb, 1942, in order to provide a line of succession in case something happened to the Regent. During the summer of 1942, he was sent to the Russian front as a pilot of the Hungarian Air Force. Worried about his safety, the Regency ordered him to return home. Unfortunately, this was not to be. On Aug. 20, 1942 (St. Stephen's Day, Hungary's national holiday---also the name-day of those christened 'Stephen'), the Vice-Regent went for a training flight before returning home (to celebrate his name-day). This was to be his last flight. The Italy-made Carponi aircraft Horthy was flying crashed headlong into the ground, killing him instantly.

The stamp depicted above was printed in press sheets of 150 stamps. These were cut into post office sheets of 100 and 50 each. The 50-stamp sheets contained two plate varieties: one showing seven stars in the sky, and the other nine. All of the other stamps had eight stars. The upper part of the design also shows the legendary Hun warriors of the Milky Way.

Edward VIII: The King who Abdicated for Love

2008-10-25T02:26:00.000-07:00

Edward VIII (23 June, 1894 to 28, May 1972; Reign from 20 January 1936 to 11 December 1936)

For info see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_of_the_United_Kingdom
Abdication speech: http://www.etoile.co.uk/Speech/EdwardAbdication.html
Abdication crisis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_abdication_crisis

Only one set of four definitive postage stamps was issued during Edward VIII's short reign. Blocks of all four, issued during between 20 January and 10 December 1936, are shown below. The design of these stamps was based on artwork by 17-year-old Hubert Brown.

Scott 230 1/2p Dark Green

Scott 231 1p Crimson

Scott 232 1-1/2p Red Brown

Scott 233 2-1/2p Bright Ultra

India, Early Lithographed Issues, Final Part

2008-10-25T02:02:00.000-07:00

Typographed Two Annas

The design for the Two Anna variety was prepared by Colonel Forbes (at Calcutta mint). These issues were typographed.

Typographed Two Annas (October 4, 1854)

Lithographed Four Annas

Lithographed Four Annas was probably the world's first bi-colour stamp. Designed by Captain H.L. Thuillier and engraved by Muneerooddin, these stamps were initially produced in sheets of 12. The number was increased to 24 stamps per sheet when the demand increased. As in the case of Half Anna and One Anna varieties, three dies of the Four Anna variety are known. Copies that are cut square are about 25 times scarcer (and MUCH more expensive) than cut-to-shape ones.

Lithographed Four Annas (1854)
Cut to shape, stuck on a piece of paper, damaged, and so heavily cancelled that it becomes very hard to identify the die. In short, the only specimen I could afford :D

Paisa, 1/2 Paisa, and 1/4 Paisa of Tippu Sultan (1750-1799) "The Tiger of Mysore"

2008-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

For info on Tippu Sultan see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippu_Sultan

All coins issued during the first four years of Tippu Sultan's reign bear the Hijri date (in which numerals are read from left to right). In the fifth year, he introduced the Mauludi era (which takes its origin from the birth of the Prophet Muhammad). In the Mauludi system, years are read from right to left. Coins of the fourth year are dated 1200 AH, while those of the fifth year bear 1215 AM. The Hijri years are lunar years of 12 lunar months each. For the new calendar, Tippu adopted the Hindu calendar and replaced the names of the sixty cyclic years and months with Arabic ones.

Numerous errors occur in the AM dates, particularly on copper coins (probably because South Indian die engravers were unfamilair with Arabic numerals). For instance, on the coins of 1215 AM the date was intended to be written as
,
but on many coins (such as the 1/4 Paisa shown below), it appears as

(as the year would have been written in the older system).

Tippu also invented different names for his coins, which are usually found on the reverse. The gold and silver coins are named after Calipha and Imams, respectively. The copper ones, with the exception of the Double Paisa, are named after stars and planets. These names (with the exception of the Double Paisa), however, do not appear on copper coins till 1221 AM.

The obverse of the copper coins shows an elephant, either advancing or standing, left or right. (On some of the Double Paisa coins, the elephant is shown with its trunk uplifted.) Generally, pre-1221 AM coins show an elephant facing left, whereas later ones generally depict one facing right.

The Paisa or Zohra
Zohra is the Persian name of the planet Venus.
Stuck at Faiz Hisar (meaning 'the fort of bounty'), the name applied to Gooty.

Obverse: Elephant advancing to right with uplifted tail; above the tail the Mauludi year 1216 (Regnal year VI; cyclic year 42; first day of Mauludi year: 7th April, 1788)

Reverse: From bottom to top (on a field of dotted rosettes, in a double-lined circle with a row of dots),

'Struck at'

'Faiz Hisar'

The 1/2 Paisa or Behram
Behram is the Persian name for the planet Mars.
Stuck at Pattan (meaning 'town'), which is a contraction of Srirangapatan (meaning 'the town of the Blessed Ranganatha'---that's a name of Lord Vishnu http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranganatha)

Obverse: Elephant advancing to left with upifted tail (in double-lined circle with a row of dots); above the tail is the Mauludi year 1216 (Regnal year VI; cyclic year 42; first day of Mauludi year: 7th April, 1788)

Reverse: From bottom to top (on a field of dotted rosettes, in a double-lined circle with a row of dots),

'Struck at'

'Pattan'

The 1/4 Paisa or Akhtar
Akhtar is the persian word for a star.

Obverse: Elephant advancing to left with upifted tail (in double-lined circle with a row of dots); above the tail is the Mauludi year 1215 (Regnal year V; cyclic year 41; first day of Mauludi year: 20th March, 1787) (written wrongly, as described above)

Reverse: From bottom to top (on a field of dotted rosettes, in a double-lined circle with a row of dots),

'Struck at'

'Pattan'

India, Early Lithographed Issues, Part 2

2008-10-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Thuillier began work on the One Anna variety using a better version of the Indian vermilion ink. Similar to the Half Anna variety, three different dies of the One Anna variety are known. These can again be distinguished on the basis of the differences in details of the chignon, corner ornaments, diadem, etc.

Lithographed One Anna (1854)

Die I

Die II

Punch-marked Karshapana of Ashoka the Great (304–232 BC) (G/H Series VIB, Type 561)

2008-08-15T23:02:00.000-07:00

Punch-marked Karshapana of Ashoka the Great
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashoka_the_great

Another link, for those who love conspiracy theories:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Unknown_Men

Obverse

Reverse

Symbols
Obverse

Five symbols:
1. Sun
2. Sadaracakra (dynasty wheel) or Dharmacakra (Wheel of Dharma) (type uncertain)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmacakra
3. Caduceus (Ashoka's royal symbol)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus
4. Three-arched hill
5. Triskeles and unknown symbol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triskelion

Reverse
Ashoka's mudra (Caduceus)

Note: The caduceus (depicted as three ovals crossed by a line) can also be found on older punch-marked coins. However, Ashoka's signet has ovals that touch each other, which is not the case in the symbol found on older coins.

General information on punch-marked coins:

Shape:

Chandragupta Maurya's Prime Minister Kautilya (also known as Chanakya) describes in his book Arthashastra how the coins of this period were made. The metal was melted, purified with alkalies, beaten into sheets, and cut into pieces. Subsequently, the symbols were punched on these pieces. Since the pieces had to be cut and clipped to make them conform to a particular weight, coins were made in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Sometimes, metal of the desired weight was melted and either poured on a flat board to take its own shape or made into pellets, which were then flattened.

Symbols:

Initially, the coins carried only one symbol. Gradually, the number of symbols increased to two, and then five. If the coin bore a single symbol, it was placed at the center of the flan. If there were two symbols, they were placed side by side. Four symbols were usually placed in pairs (one pair opposite the other).

The flan of the coin was often much smaller than the size of the punches. Therefore, in coins with four or five symbols (such as the one I have posted), it is common to find parts of the symbols off the flan or overlapping one another. These factors (coupled with the astounding varity of the symbols) often make the correct identification of the symbols very challenging.

Originally, the symbols were punched only on one side of the coin (which may be called the obverse). When the coin became worn, a fresh symbol (or group of symbols) was pressed on the reverse. For coins bearing four or five symbols, the reverse was either blank or bore minute symbols (mostly one or two in number), which are believed to be those of shroffs or money testers. Coins of later period (bearing five obverse symbols) carried a conpicuous symbol on the center of the reverse, which became quite bold during the Mauryan period.

Coins of Magadha (the seat of the powerful Maurya dynasty) can be divided into two periods.

1. Earlier issues of the time when Magadha was merely a janapada (small state):
These can again be divided into two sub-periods.
(a) The period during which Rajagriha was the capital: Coins of this period are of an irregular, roughly rectangular shape. The number of symbols on them varies from one to six.
(b) Coins issued after the capital was shifted to Patliputra (Patna): These coins bear four symbols, of which two are the sun and the six-armed symbol (Sadaracakra). The earlier coins of this period are irregular, and the later ones circular.

2. Coins issued during the period of Magadha's imperial expansion: Thin, broad coins are thought to be earliest in chronology and the thick, smaller ones latest. These coins are found in a variety of shapes, all of which have five different symbols on the obverse, placed in a definite order. More than 450 varieties of these symbols can be identified on these coins! Based on the symbol groups, the coins can be classifed into about 600 varieties, which can be sub-divided into various classes and, in turn, into six or seven series.

Coins of the first four series bear minute symbols on the reverse. Coins of series five bear a distinct mark on the reverse, in addition to these minute marks. Coins of series six and seven have a reverse mark as bold as the obverse symbols.

India, Early Lithographed Issues, Part 1

2008-08-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

The first lithographed stamps issued in India were designed by Captain H.L. Thuillier, Deputy Surveyor General, who was in charge of the lithographic department of the Survey office in Calcutta. These stamps were issued in denominations of Half Anna, 1 Anna, and 4 Anna (the 8 Anna variety proposed by Thuillier was rejected).

Thuillier wanted to use black ink for printing the stamps (in the style of the Penny Black). However, this idea was rejected on the grounds that black colour would make re-use of lightly-cancelled stamps considerably easier. The approved design of the 1/2 Anna variety was first printed using English Vermilion ink. When the supply of the aforementioned ink was exhausted, Indian Vermilion was tried. However, this proved disastrous and ended up spoiling the printing stones. The stock that had already been dispatched for issue was withdrawn immediately. Fresh plates were made after making changes in the design and stamps printed using refined indigo blue ink from Bengal. These were engraved by Indian artist and draughtsman Muneerooddin.

The process adapted for printing these stamps is described below:

1. The design of the stamp was engraved (in reverse) on copper plates.
2. This design was transferred to a transfer paper.
3. The design obtained on the transfer paper was transferred on to the printing stone (using greasy ink).
4. The stone was moistened and coloured with greasy ink.
5. A sheet of paper was pressed against the stone and a print of the stamps obtained.

For the Half Anna variety, 24 impressions (in three rows of 8 stamps each) were transferred to a small stone (using the process described above), termed the Intermediate Stone. Printing from this small stone was not feasible as a million or so stamps were required. Therefore, Thuillier transferred these 24 impressions four times onto a large stone, completing a sheet of 96 stamps. This stone is referred to as the Parent Stone. The Parent Stone was still not enough for the volume of stamps required to be printed. Therefore, a fresh transfer was made from the Parent Stone and laid down thrice onto a large stone (to obtain 288 stamps in one impression)(referred to as the Printing Stone). More transfers were made from the printing stone to newer stones, called Sub-stones.

These stones were subject to wear and tear during the course of printing and the worn areas had to be repaired from time to time. Such alterations are termed "re-touches". When the stones were so worn that printing from them was no longer possible, the Intermediate Stone had to be taken out and the entire process repeated! Several such cycles resulted in the wearing of the Intermediate Stone itself. At this stage, the master die was taken out and the design was re-drawn, resulting in a new die known as Die II. Stamps produced from Die II were expected to be enough to meet the local demand till stamps from M/s Thomas de la Rue & Co., London, arrived. However, overwhelming demand resulted in a new die, Die III.

Differences in the details of the chignon, corner ornaments, diadem, etc., allow us to distinguish between the stamps printed using different dies.

Lithographed Half Anna, Die I (Issued on 1 October, 1854)

Hungary, 1 Korona, 1893

2008-08-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Obverse FERENCZ JÓZSEF I.K.A.CS. ÉS M.H.S.D.O.AP.KIR. (Franz Joseph by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria and Apostolic King of Hungary, Croatia, Slavonia, Dalmatia)
Mint mark: K.B. for Körmöcbánya (now Kremnica, Slovakia)

Reverse Crown of St. Stephen, 1 Korona, 1893

Edge inscription BIZALMAM AZ ŐSI ERÉNYBEN (My trust in the ancient virtue)

British East India Company, 1 Rupee, 1840 (Divided legend)

2008-08-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Obverse

The initials "W.W." (seen under the Queen's neck) are of William Wyon, the engraver of Victoria's young head dies.

Reverse

British East India Company, William IV 1 Rupee, 1835 (Calcutta Mint, KM 450.3)

2008-08-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Obverse

"F" incuse (seen below the King's neck) is the initial of Lt.-Col. William Nairn Forbes R.E., Master of the Calcutta Mint from 5th January 1836 to 23rd January 1855.

Reverse

Gandhara, 1/8 Satamana (c 600 - 300 BC)

2008-08-09T07:21:00.000-07:00

Obverse Six-armed symbol of the following type

Reverse Blank

Valens (AD 364-375), AE3, Mint of Cyzicus (RIC IX 11b or 13b)

2008-08-09T07:16:00.000-07:00

Obverse DN VALEN-S PF AVG; pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust facing right

Reverse (SECVRI)TA(S)-(RE)IPVBLICAE (the security of the republic); Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; SMKA in exergue (Mint of Cyzicus, first officiana)

Constantine II as Caesar (AD 330-333), AE3, Constantinople mint (RIC VII 60)

2008-08-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

Obverse CO(NSTAN)TINVS IVN NOB C; Laureate, draped bust right

Reverse (GLOR)-IA EXERC-ITVS (the glory of the army); two soldiers helmeted, standing facing each other, reversed spears in outer hands, inner hands on shields resting on ground, between them two standards; CONST in exergue (Constantinople mint, third officiana)

Bronze Prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, king of Judaea, 103-76 B.C.

2008-08-09T05:50:00.000-07:00

Obverse BASILEWS ALEXANDROU (of King Alexander), around upside-down anchor (adopted from the Seleucids, who used it to symbolize their naval strength)

Reverse Star (or wheel) (symbolizing heaven) with eight rays, surrounded by diadem. "Yehonatan the King" between rays (in Hebrew)

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesson_of_the_widow's_mite
'Mite' is the 1611 King James' Version translation for this coin.
Though the scripture probably refers to the Lepton (a smaller coin of denomination lower than the Prutah), both Lepton and Prutah are usually referred to as "widow's mites".
Differentiationg a Prutah from a Lepton: The anchor depicted on a Lepton (shown below for comparison) usually has a full circle around it, while the Prutah has writing around the anchor. Also, the Lepton usually has writing around the star, while the Prutah usually has a full circle.