1 Mohur

Historical Context: This 1 Mohur coin, issued in 1760 by the Princely State of Farrukhabad, dates to a tumultuous period in Indian history during the decline of the Mughal Empire. Bearing the name of nominal Emperor Shah Alam II, its issuance reflects the de facto independence of the Bangash Nawabs. Gold mohurs served as crucial high-value currency for trade, tribute, and as a store of wealth amidst significant political fragmentation and conflict among regional powers and the British East India Company.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this coin remains anonymous, typical for Indian princely issues of this period. Stylistically, the mohur adheres to the established Mughal numismatic tradition, featuring elegant Persian Nastaliq script. The design is purely epigraphic, devoid of imagery. One side presents a regal couplet in the emperor's name, while the reverse displays the mint name "Farrukhabad," the regnal year, and the auspicious julus formula. Artistry is primarily expressed through calligraphic skill.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold with a weight of 10.7 grams, this mohur exhibits typical hand-struck characteristics. High-points for preservation assessment include the intricate flourishes and diacritics within the central calligraphic legends. Due to the manual striking process, variations in centering, strike pressure, and flan shape are common. Consequently, portions of the outer legends, such as the full mint name or date, may often be off-flan or weakly struck. A well-struck example shows clear, crisp legends with minimal flatness.