1/2 Qiran - Naser al-Din Shah

Historical Context: The 1855 1/2 Qiran was issued early in the extensive reign of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar (1848-1896), Iran's longest-serving Qajar monarch. This period marked a crucial era of attempted modernization and increasing European engagement, alongside internal consolidation. The Qiran and its fractions served as fundamental silver currency, vital for daily commerce and reflecting the economic landscape of the nascent modern Iranian state under his rule.

Artistry: The design adheres to established Persian Islamic numismatic tradition, prioritizing elegant calligraphy. While specific engravers are typically unrecorded, the work reflects skilled court artisans. The obverse likely features the Shah's regnal name and titles in flowing Naskh script, often within a decorative cartouche. The reverse typically displays the Shi'a Kalima or mint information, all rendered with precision and stylistic continuity from earlier Islamic coinage.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.37 grams of silver, the 1/2 Qiran's strike quality is crucial. High-points for wear and strike include the raised elements of the calligraphic legends, particularly flourishes within Naser al-Din Shah's name on the obverse and central words of the Kalima on the reverse. Variability in strike pressure and die condition is common; well-struck examples exhibit sharp, full legends, while weaker strikes may show softness, especially towards the flan edges or finer script details.