1 Falus - Dost Muhammad Ahmadshahi mint

Historical Context: This 1 Falus, struck in Qandahar in 1825 (AH 1240-1241), signals Dost Muhammad Khan's ascendant de facto control, preceding his 1826 accession as Amir. Issued amidst the Durrani Empire's fragmentation, the "Ahmadshahi mint" likely denotes a historical mint name or tradition, not direct Durrani suzerainty, as the Barakzai dynasty consolidated power. This copper issue served local commerce during a period of intense regional transition and power struggles, reflecting early Barakzai assertion.

Artistry: Artistic execution adheres to regional Islamic numismatic tradition, emphasizing calligraphic inscriptions. Specific engraver identities for these common copper issues are unrecorded. The stylistic school employs robust Naskh or Thuluth script, often exhibiting a forceful, albeit sometimes crude, aesthetic typical of provincial mints. Design prioritizes legibility of the ruler's name, mint, and date, arranged within a circular field, reflecting practical demands of local currency production.

Technical/Grading: High-grade examples are rare due to copper's inherent softness, variable striking, and extensive circulation. Key grading points include clarity and completeness of central legends, notably "Dost Muhammad" and the "Ahmadshahi Qandahar" mintmark. The Hijri date, often on the reverse, must be discernible. A well-centered strike, free from significant off-flan errors, is a premium attribute. Surface integrity, devoid of heavy pitting, active corrosion, or major planchet defects, is crucial for higher valuations.