1 Paisa

Historical Context: This 1 Paisa copper coin, issued by the Nawabdom of the Carnatic between 1761 and 1784, represents a pivotal era in South Indian history. During this period, Nawab Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah (1749-1795) nominally ruled the Carnatic, though his reign was increasingly defined by the growing influence and military presence of the British East India Company. Having allied with the British during the Carnatic Wars against the French, Walajah became heavily indebted to the Company. This coin, a common denomination for everyday transactions, thus serves as a tangible artifact of a sovereign state grappling with diminishing autonomy and rising colonial power, reflecting the complex political and economic landscape of the time.

Artistry: The design of this 1 Paisa coin adheres to the prevalent Indo-Islamic numismatic tradition, largely influenced by Mughal prototypes, though executed by local mints. Engravers for such common issues remain anonymous. The stylistic school emphasizes calligraphic artistry, featuring Persian legends that typically include the name of the nominal Mughal emperor (Shah Alam II), the ruling Nawab (Muhammad Ali Walajah), and often the mint name, such as Arcot. The design is anepigraphic, devoid of pictorial elements, focusing instead on the elegant flow and arrangement of the script, which would have been recognized and understood by the populace.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a substantial weight of 13.6 grams, this 1 Paisa often exhibits characteristics typical of contemporary regional coinage. High-points for grading include the raised portions of the Persian calligraphy, particularly the central flourishes and the outer borders of the legends. However, technical strike qualities can vary significantly; issues are frequently encountered with weak strikes, off-center alignments, and irregular flans due to the production methods of the era. Well-centered examples with clear, strong strikes across all legends, especially the mint and date details, are highly prized by collectors.