1 Tanka - Tursun Muhammad Style 1

Historical Context: The 1 Tanka of Tursun Muhammad, struck between 1613 and 1628, represents a pivotal era for the Tashkent Khanate. Tursun Muhammad, a Kazakh leader, asserted independence from the larger Bukharan Khanate, establishing his autonomous domain centered in Tashkent. This coinage symbolizes his claim to sovereignty and efforts to legitimize his rule amidst Central Asia's turbulent political landscape, following the decline of the Shaybanids and the rise of the Janids. His reign, characterized by frequent conflicts, renders these coins vital historical artifacts.

Artistry: The artistry of this Tanka, characteristic of Central Asian Islamic numismatics, centers on its elegant calligraphy. Though no specific engraver is identified, mint masters utilized skilled calligraphers to meticulously render the Arabic inscriptions. The design typically features the Islamic declaration of faith, the Kalima, on one side, with Tursun Muhammad's name, titles, mint, and date on the other. The script, likely a clear Naskh or Thuluth, prioritizes legibility and religious piety, reflecting the era's aesthetic and spiritual values.

Technical/Grading: Technically, this silver Tanka, weighing 4.38 grams and measuring 28 millimeters, exhibits characteristics common to contemporary hammered coinage. High-points prone to wear typically include the central portions of the calligraphy, particularly the ascenders and descenders of letters. Strike quality often varies, presenting with minor off-center strikes, areas of weakness, or irregular planchet shapes inherent to the manual minting process. A premium specimen would retain sharp, full legends and intricate script details, with minimal flattening on the highest relief points.