1/4 Ashrafi - Mir Usman Ali Khan

Historical Context: This 1/4 Ashrafi represents the coinage of Mir Usman Ali Khan, the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad, reigning from 1911 to 1948. Struck between 1919 and 1948, this gold denomination underscores Hyderabad's economic strength and asserted sovereignty. This era marked the wane of British paramountcy and the rise of Indian independence. As India's largest and wealthiest princely state, Hyderabad maintained its unique currency, with the Ashrafi symbolizing its independent financial standing.

Artistry: The design adheres to the traditional Indo-Islamic numismatic aesthetic, characterized by aniconic nature and elegant calligraphy. Engravers, though unrecorded, were skilled court mint masters. Both obverse and reverse feature intricate Persian (Urdu) script, typically detailing the ruler's name, titles, regnal year, and the mint name "Farkhunda Bunyad Hyderabad." The stylistic school emphasizes clarity and balance in the Nastaliq or Naskh script, reflecting a refined courtly tradition of the Deccan.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .910 fine gold, weighing 2.794 grams, this coin generally exhibits a sharp strike, typical of precious metal issues. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike quality include the intricate serifs and flourishes of the calligraphy, particularly within central legends and outer margins. Examine individual letterform definition. While gold's malleability usually ensures a full strike, minor flatness or weakness in finer calligraphic details or slight off-centering are common grading considerations.