| Obverse description |
Arabic legend The Kalima Shahada within a circle, the four Caliphs’ names & “al-sultan ul-adil” around |
| Obverse script |
Arabic |
| Obverse lettering |
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| Reverse description |
Arabic legend “Islam Shah ibn Sher Shah sultan khuld Allahu mulkahu wa sultanahu with wa a’ala amrahu” within a circle, “Jalal ud dunya wa’l din Abu’l Muzaffar, 954 Hijri” with Nagari “Sri Islam Sahi” in margin around |
| Reverse script |
Arabic |
| Reverse lettering |
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| Edge |
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| Mint |
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| Mintage |
954 (1547) - Mintless (Bengal) type Delhi Sultanate Islam Shah Suri Silver Rupee Coin with Hijri year 954 -
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| Numisquare ID |
1088756970 |
Historical Context: Islam Shah Suri (r. 1545-1554), son of Sher Shah Suri, ruled the Sur Empire across much of northern India. This 1547 Rupee falls within his reign, a period of consolidating his father's administrative and monetary reforms amidst internal challenges and the lingering threat of Humayun. The "Mintless type" designation for GG#D982 suggests a standardized imperial issue, likely from a central mint or a policy of omitting specific mint names, projecting unified authority across the empire's vast territories.
Artistry: Suri coinage, including this 1 Rupee, exemplifies Indo-Islamic aniconism, prioritizing epigraphy. The design features elegant Arabic calligraphy, typically Thuluth or Naskh script, displaying the Kalima (Shahada) on the obverse and the ruler's name, titles, and Hijri date on the reverse. Geometric patterns often frame these legends. Engravers of this era remain anonymous, their skill evident in the precise rendering of religious and royal proclamations within the imperial mints' stylistic conventions.
Technical/Grading: For grading this 1 Rupee (11.23 gg, 31.69 mmmm), assess the sharpness and completeness of the calligraphic legends. High-grade examples exhibit full, clear strikes on all letters, especially towards the flan edges, often weak on these broad, thin planchets. Flan roundness and integrity, absence of clipping or defects, are critical. Luster, though subdued, enhances grade. Consistency with standard weight and diameter confirms authenticity and quality.