1/5 Rupee - Ali Raja

Historical Context: The 1/5 Rupee of Cannanore, issued under the Ali Raja dynasty from 1709 to 1826, represents the coinage of the Arakkal Kingdom, a prominent Muslim maritime power in Kerala, South India. The Ali Rajas, unique among Kerala rulers, maintained significant trade networks and naval strength, navigating a complex political landscape dominated by European colonial powers. This denomination served as a crucial instrument for local commerce and affirmed the kingdom's sovereignty amidst growing external pressures during a period of intense regional conflict.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this 1/5 Rupee is not individually documented, typical for coinage of this period and region. Stylistically, it adheres to indigenous South Indian numismatic traditions, likely incorporating simplified Perso-Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the Ali Rajas' Islamic heritage and trade connections. Given its diminutive size of 15.2 mm, the design was necessarily compact, focusing on essential identifying elements like the ruler's name or title, possibly within a simple motif, executed with functional clarity rather than elaborate detail.

Technical/Grading: As a hand-struck silver coin, the 1/5 Rupee exhibits characteristics common to its production method. High-points for wear assessment typically include the raised elements of the central inscription, particularly initial characters or decorative flourishes. Technical strike qualities often vary significantly; collectors should anticipate off-center strikes, inconsistent pressure leading to areas of weakness, and irregular flan shapes. The small planchet (15.2 mm, 2.2 gg) made precise striking challenging, meaning full design details are often only visible on well-centered, strongly struck examples.