1/2 Tilla - Qutlugh Murad

Historical Context: This 1/2 Tilla, dated 1855 (AH 1271), was issued during the brief reign of Qutlugh Murad Khan of Khiva (1855-1856). He ascended the throne following the death of his father, Muhammad Amin Khan, who perished in a campaign against the Tekke Turkomans. Qutlugh Murad's tenure was marked by internal political instability and ongoing tribal conflicts, reflecting a period of vulnerability for the Khivan Khanate amidst growing Russian influence in Central Asia. Gold coinage like this piece served as a crucial symbol of sovereignty and economic stability, despite the turbulent times.

Artistry: The design of this gold 1/2 Tilla exemplifies the traditional Islamic numismatic art prevalent in Central Asia. The engraver, likely anonymous, meticulously rendered the inscriptions in a clear, elegant Naskh script, characteristic of the region's calligraphic school. The obverse typically features the ruler's name and titles, while the reverse displays the mint name, Khiva, and the AH date, often alongside religious invocations. The aesthetic emphasizes legibility and the sacred nature of the script over pictorial representation, a hallmark of Islamic coinage.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 17 mm gold flan weighing 2.22 grams, this coin (A#3084.3) exhibits typical strike characteristics for Khivan gold issues of the period. High points for wear analysis include the raised elements of the calligraphy, particularly the central portions of the letters and any diacritical marks. A well-struck example will show full legends, good centering, and minimal planchet irregularities. Gold coinage from Khiva often displays a somewhat crude yet robust strike, with variations in flan shape and thickness being common, though less pronounced on these higher-value pieces.