1 Rupee Kham - Gulab Singh

Historical Context: This 1 Rupee Kham, issued by the Princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, marks a pivotal era under Maharaja Gulab Singh. As the founder of the Dogra dynasty, Gulab Singh established the state following the 1846 Treaty of Amritsar. Coinage from 1849 to 1870, even after his 1857 demise, often continued bearing his name, symbolizing the consolidation and early independence of this significant Himalayan kingdom within British India's paramountcy.

Artistry: The artistic merit of this rupee lies primarily in its calligraphic design, characteristic of many Indian princely state coinages. While specific engravers are unrecorded, the style reflects a Perso-Mughal numismatic tradition, featuring elegant Nastaliq script. The "Kham" designation likely refers to a particular minting series or stylistic variant. Obverse and reverse typically display the ruler's name, mint name (Jammu), and a date, emphasizing the clarity and beauty of the script as its central aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver (10.55 grams, 20 millimeters), this coin’s technical quality varies. High-points for assessment are typically the raised elements of the intricate Persian legends, particularly flourishes and diacritical marks. Due to hand-striking methods, examples often exhibit variations in strike pressure, resulting in areas of flatness or weakness. A premium example features a well-centered strike with sharp, complete legends, minimal planchet imperfections, and strong definition on all calligraphic details.