1 Mohur - Shah Alam II

Historical Context: This 1 Mohur, issued by the Princely State of Jaipur (1773-1804), bears the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This common practice occurred as Mughal authority waned, even as Jaipur, under Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, maintained semi-autonomous status amidst rising Maratha and British influence. Issuing gold mohurs symbolized Jaipur's economic stability and minting prerogative, while nominally acknowledging imperial suzerainty. These coins were vital for high-value transactions.

Artistry: The Mohur's design adheres to Indo-Mughal numismatic tradition, characterized by elegant Nastaliq script. Specific engravers are rarely identifiable; mints employed skilled calligraphers and die-sinkers. The aesthetic emphasizes the beauty of Arabic and Persian script, typically featuring a regal couplet or kalima on one side, and the ruler's name, mint (Sawai Jaipur), and date on the reverse. This stylistic school blends imperial Mughal design with local Rajput artistic sensibilities, prioritizing epigraphic clarity.

Technical/Grading: Struck in high-purity gold (11.34 gg), these hand-hammered coins often exhibit variations. Common technical aspects include off-center strikes, irregular flan shapes, and occasional double striking, inherent to the era's minting process. High-points for wear typically include the finer calligraphy details, especially central legend portions and small date/regnal year numerals. Assess legend sharpness, planchet regularity, and overall strike completeness for accurate grading.