1/2 Miscal / 5 Fen In the name of Abdulaziz, Kashgar

Historical Context: This 1/2 Miscal / 5 Fen silver coin, struck 1874-1877 in Kashgar, Sinkiang, is a pivotal artifact from Yakub Beg’s independent Emirate of Yettishar. Yakub Beg, a Kokandi adventurer, established control over Eastern Turkestan during the Qing Dynasty's Dungan Revolt. To legitimize his rule against Qing and Russian pressures, he acknowledged Ottoman Sultan Abdulaziz as Caliph. The dual denomination (miscal/fen) reflects a blend of Islamic metrology and regional economic influences, highlighting the era's complex geopolitical landscape.

Artistry: Artistically, this coinage adheres to aniconic Islamic numismatic traditions, featuring intricate Arabic calligraphy as its primary design. Specific engravers are unknown, and stylistic execution is characteristic of regional mints under duress. Inscriptions typically bear Sultan Abdulaziz’s name and titles on the obverse, affirming Yakub Beg's allegiance, alongside mint (Kashgar) and date on the reverse. Dies were hand-cut, often exhibiting variations in calligraphic precision and spacing.

Technical/Grading: For grading, key high-points include clarity and completeness of the Arabic legends, particularly the sultan's name and "Kashgar" mintmark, often weakly struck or off-center due to small, thin planchets (1.64 gg, 13 mm). Overall strike quality, especially at edges, and planchet evenness are critical. These issues frequently display irregular flans, laminations, or minor cracks. Varieties (C#37-1.1, C#37-1.2) indicate subtle die differences, necessitating close examination of date digits and calligraphic nuances.