11/2 Falus - Ahmad Shah III

Historical Context: The 11/2 Falus of Ahmad Shah III (1555-1559) represents a tumultuous period in the Gujarat Sultanate. Ahmad Shah III, a minor, ascended the throne amidst intense factionalism among the nobility, effectively a puppet ruler. His reign marked the accelerating decline of the Sultanate's independent power, facing increasing pressure from the burgeoning Mughal Empire. This copper issue reflects internal instability and the localized nature of monetary circulation as the state struggled to maintain central authority before its eventual annexation.

Artistry: The design of this 11/2 Falus adheres to the established Indo-Islamic numismatic tradition of the Gujarat Sultanate. Engravers, typically anonymous, focused on elegant calligraphic inscriptions, primarily in Naskh script, which formed the core artistic expression. The absence of figural imagery is consistent with Islamic aniconism. The coin's design would have featured the ruler's name and titles, rendered with characteristic simplicity and emphasis on legibility, reflecting a functional yet aesthetically refined approach to currency design.

Technical/Grading: This copper 11/2 Falus, weighing 14.38 grams and measuring 18.92 mm, exhibits typical characteristics of hammered coinage from the era. Key grading points include the sharpness and completeness of the central inscription, often showing earliest wear. Technical strike qualities frequently vary, with common occurrences of off-center strikes, irregular planchet shapes, and uneven pressure. Corrosion and pitting are prevalent in copper issues, impacting surface preservation. Assessing overall strike clarity and legend integrity is crucial for determining its numismatic grade.