1/2 Rupee - Shah Alam II

Historical Context: This 1/2 Rupee, issued by the Princely State of Indore in 1774, reflects a pivotal era. Struck in the name of the nominal Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, it signifies waning Mughal power and the ascendancy of Maratha states. Indore, under the Holkar dynasty, was a prominent Maratha power. The year 1774 falls within Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar's enlightened rule, a period of stability and prosperity, even as its legend paid homage to distant Mughal authority.

Artistry: The engraver for this issue remains anonymous, typical for the period. Stylistically, it belongs to the Maratha-Mughal school, characterized by Persian script (Nastaliq) for the legends. Design features Shah Alam II's name and titles on the obverse, often with AH date and mint name (Malharnagar/Indore). The reverse commonly bears the julus formula and a regnal year. Due to the diminutive 17mm flan, inscriptions are often condensed, sometimes leading to partial legends.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 5.51 grams, 17mm in diameter, this 1/2 Rupee exhibits characteristics typical of contemporary hand-struck coinage. High-points for wear and strike weakness are usually found on the initial strokes and decorative flourishes of the calligraphy. Common technical qualities include irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and variable strike pressure, often resulting in incomplete legends or flatness. Silver purity was generally maintained, reflecting local minting practices.