1 Tanka - Ghiyath al-Din Jalal Satgaon mint

Historical Context: This silver Tanka was issued during the reign of Ghiyath al-Din Jalal Shah, who ruled the Bengal Sultanate from 1533 to 1538 CE. Son of the esteemed Sultan Nusrat Shah, Jalal Shah's brief tenure represented a transitional period within the Husain Shahi dynasty, just prior to the significant incursions of Sher Shah Suri. The coinage from the Satgaon mint underscores the continued economic vitality and administrative reach of the Sultanate in its eastern territories, a testament to the enduring independence of Bengal before its eventual absorption into the wider Mughal sphere.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for the era, this Tanka exemplifies the distinctive epigraphic artistry of Bengal Sultanate coinage. The design primarily features elegant Arabic calligraphy, likely Naskh or Thuluth, meticulously arranged to convey the ruler's full titulature, religious invocations, the mint name Satgaon, and the Hijri date. The circular format and balanced composition are hallmarks of the stylistic school, prioritizing legibility and aesthetic harmony within the calligraphic tradition, reflecting the Islamic aesthetic of the period.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a silver flan weighing 10.83 grams with a diameter of 30.16 millimeters, this Tanka typically exhibits a broad, thin fabric. High-points for grading include the central elements of the Arabic legends, particularly the ascending strokes and diacritical marks, which are often the first to show wear. A well-struck example will display full, crisp legends and a clear mint name and date. Flan cracks or minor off-centring are not uncommon, but a strong strike with minimal die wear enhances its numismatic appeal and historical significance.