1 Rupee - Shah Alam II

Historical Context: This 1 Rupee coin, issued by the Princely State of Chhatarpur between 1767 and 1771, encapsulates a pivotal era in Indian history. While bearing the name of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, his authority was largely nominal during this period. The Mughal Empire was in decline, fragmenting into numerous independent or semi-independent states, including Chhatarpur in Bundelkhand. The state's decision to mint coins in Shah Alam II's name was a strategic act of legitimization, maintaining a symbolic link to the imperial center while asserting regional autonomy amidst the rise of Maratha power and the growing influence of the British East India Company. This coinage thus serves as a tangible record of a complex political landscape.

Artistry: The design of this Chhatarpur rupee adheres closely to the established Mughal numismatic tradition, characterized by its emphasis on elegant Persian calligraphy. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for princely state issues of this period, the stylistic school is clearly derived from imperial Mughal prototypes. The obverse would likely feature the full name and titles of Shah Alam II, often accompanied by a regnal year (Julus). The reverse would typically display the mint name, Chhatarpur, along with the Hijri date and possibly a poetic couplet or formulaic phrase. The beauty of these coins lies in the intricate Naskh or Nastaliq script, where the quality of the calligraphic execution is paramount to the aesthetic appeal.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this coin weighs 11.20 grams and has a diameter of 20.56 millimeters, aligning with the standard weight and size for a Mughal-style rupee of the late 18th century. For grading, key high-points to observe include the sharpness and completeness of the central legends, particularly the delicate flourishes and serifs of the Persian script. Due to the less sophisticated minting techniques prevalent in princely states, issues such as off-center strikes, irregular flans, and varying die alignment are common. A well-struck example would exhibit full legends, good metal quality, and minimal planchet flaws, with strong detail on the calligraphy being the primary indicator of technical quality.