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1 Rupee - Jahangir Zodiac Rupee - Gemini
| Issuer | Mughal Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1618 |
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| Currency | Rupee (1540-1842) |
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| Obverse description | Central field depicts the zodiac sign of Gemini, rendered as two nude figures (twins) standing face-to-face in an embrace, their bodies shown in a naturalistic style unusual for Mughal coinage. The figures are surrounded by a radiating sunburst pattern emanating from the center, with a beaded border encircling the entire design. The artistic treatment reflects the innovative and eclectic aesthetic patronized by Emperor Jahangir, who commissioned this celebrated series of zodiac rupees. |
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| Reverse description | The reverse bears multi-line Persian calligraphic inscription in Nasta'liq script arranged in curved bands across the field, incorporating the regnal titles and names of Emperor Jahangir (AH 1014–1037 / 1605–1627 AD) alongside a reference to his father Emperor Akbar. The mint name Ahmedabad and the regnal year appear within the inscription. A beaded border frames the entire reverse field, consistent with Mughal hammered silver coinage of the period. |
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| Additional information |
Jahangir commissioned his famous zodiac rupee series around 1618–1619, replacing the conventional royal portrait with the twelve signs of the zodiac — a decision that scandalized orthodox Muslims at court, since Islamic tradition generally prohibits figural representation on currency. The Gemini type is among the more frequently encountered of the twelve, though the full set in matched grades remains extraordinarily difficult to assemble.
Jahangir documented his own obsessive interest in coinage in his memoirs, the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri. The zodiac series appears to have been struck at Agra in limited quantities, functioning more as imperial gifts than circulating money.