1 Falus - Dost Muhammad Ahmadshahi mint

Historical Context: This 1 Falus copper coin, struck in 1825 at the Ahmadshahi mint in Qandahar, represents an early assertion of authority by Dost Muhammad Khan. At this juncture, Afghanistan was a fragmented realm following the collapse of the Durrani Empire. Dost Muhammad, a prominent Barakzai chieftain, was consolidating his power base in Qandahar, prior to his eventual rise as Amir of Kabul and founder of the Barakzai dynasty. This coinage signifies his nascent sovereignty and the turbulent political landscape of early 19th-century Afghanistan.

Artistry: The design adheres to the prevailing Indo-Persian calligraphic tradition common in Islamic numismatics of the era. While the engraver remains anonymous, the script, likely Nastaliq, would typically feature the ruler's name or a pious inscription on the obverse, with the reverse detailing the mint name, "Ahmadshahi Qandahar," and the Hijri date (1240 AH). The artistic emphasis lies on the elegant execution of the Arabic script, often framed within simple linear or dotted borders, reflecting the functional yet aesthetically restrained style of the period.

Technical/Grading: Given its copper composition and regional minting, this 1 Falus coin often exhibits characteristic production variances. High-points, most susceptible to wear, include the uppermost flourishes of the calligraphic legends, particularly within the ruler's name and the mint designation. Technical strike qualities frequently reveal inconsistencies such as off-center strikes, planchet irregularities, and variable strike pressure, leading to areas of weakness, especially towards the periphery. The 17mm diameter suggests a relatively small flan, which can contribute to less-than-full strikes.