1⁄32 Tenga - Muhammad Alim Khan bin Abdul-Ahad

Historical Context: This 1⁄32 Tenga, issued by Muhammad Alim Khan bin Abdul-Ahad (1910-1920), signifies the terminal phase of independent Bukharan coinage. As the last Emir, Alim Khan governed a nominally autonomous state under Russian protectorate, a period of increasing Russian influence and geopolitical flux in Central Asia. Minted 1911-1915, these copper fractions served as essential low-denomination currency for daily commerce within the Emirate, reflecting a traditional monetary system on the cusp of dissolution before the 1920 Soviet conquest.

Artistry: Bukharan copper coinage of this era, including KM#A63, adheres strictly to Islamic aniconic principles. Engravers, typically anonymous mint functionaries, focused on precise rendition of calligraphic inscriptions rather than figurative art. The design features the ruler's name, patronymic, and titles in legible Nastaliq script on one side, with the mint name (Bukhara) and Hijri date on the other. Given the diminutive 12mm flan, artistry lies in the dense, clear arrangement of these essential epigraphic elements, often within simple linear or dotted borders, lacking individual engraver's signatures.

Technical/Grading: For this 1⁄32 Tenga, critical grading points center on the strike and legibility of calligraphic legends. A premium example exhibits a strong, centered strike, ensuring all aspects of Muhammad Alim Khan’s name, titles, and the mint/date are fully present and sharp, a rarity given the small flan and imprecise hand-striking. Specific attention to the clarity of central Arabic characters, prone to weakness or early wear, is crucial. Minimal planchet irregularities and lack of significant corrosion are also highly desirable for higher grades.