The Puddester Collection (Part I)

East India Company, Madras Presidency, Early coinages: Mughal style, gold Mohur, in the name of Muhammad Shah (1131-61h/1719-48), Chinapatan, yr 2[–] [1738+], sikka mubarak badshah ghazi muhammad shah [The auspicious coin of the Victorious Emperor Muhammad Shah], rev. zarb chinapatan sanat 2[–] julus maimanat manus [Struck at Chinapatan in the 2[–] year of tranquil prosperity], 10.89g/9h (Prid. 110 [not seen]; Stevens 2.29; KM. –; F 1581). A magnificent coin, virtually as struck and perfectly centred, of the highest rarity and extremely rare; perhaps only two others known £10,000-£15,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Puddester Collection.

View
Collection

Bt in London October 2000.

Owner’s tickets and envelope.

Like the coins illustrated by Stevens (p.376) and in Friedberg (p.525), only the first digit of the regnal year is truly visible, yet the light vertical stroke after that digit on this coin could only represent the numeral 4, 7 or 8.

Coinage of gold mohurs was ordered in the Consultations of 17 February 1743 (year 24 of Muhammad Shah’s reign). It is presumed that existing rupee dies were utilised for the purpose and these would have regnal years between 24 and 29