1 Paisa - Muhammad Ismail Khan Pattern

Historical Context: This 1 Paisa pattern was issued for Muhammad Ismail Khan, Nawab of Jaora (ruled 1895-1897), a princely state within British India's Malwa Agency. Dated 1893-1896, it either predates or coincides with his brief reign, which began when he was a minor under a Council of Regency. Patterns like this signify a proposed coinage, possibly for a new series or to assert the ruler's authority, even if not widely circulated. It reflects the blend of indigenous Islamic numismatic tradition within the overarching British suzerainty of the late 19th century.

Artistry: The artistic style is characteristic of Indian princely states of the era, heavily reliant on calligraphic rendering of Persian/Urdu legends. Specific engravers for Jaora coins of this period are generally unrecorded. The design would have been executed by local artisans, likely trained in traditional Islamic calligraphy, emphasizing legibility and aesthetic flow of the script. As a pattern, it likely exhibits a higher degree of precision and finish than typical circulating issues, showcasing the proposed design in its optimal form.

Technical/Grading: For this copper pattern, critical grading points include the sharpness and completeness of the calligraphic legends on both obverse and reverse. Examine the individual strokes and serifs for full definition. Given its "pattern" status, a strong, even strike with excellent centering and full rims is expected. High-grade examples will show minimal contact marks, absence of corrosion or planchet flaws common to copper, and retain any original mint luster, which can be elusive on copper patterns.