30 Para - Mahmud II type A

Historical Context: This 30 Para coin, issued in 1808 by the Regency of Tripoli, falls within the early reign of Sultan Mahmud II, who ascended the Ottoman throne in that same year. While nominally part of the Ottoman Empire, Tripoli operated as an autonomous Barbary State, maintaining its own mint and often engaging in maritime activities that frequently challenged European powers. The coin reflects this complex political landscape, asserting Ottoman suzerainty through the Sultan's name while being a product of local Tripoletanian administration during a period of shifting regional power dynamics.

Artistry: The artistry of this 30 Para coin is characteristic of provincial Ottoman coinage from the early 19th century. While the specific engraver remains unrecorded, the design adheres to established numismatic traditions. The obverse typically features the Tughra of Sultan Mahmud II, a highly stylized calligraphic monogram signifying his imperial authority. The reverse side would bear the mint name, Tripoli, and the date, rendered in clear Arabic script such as Naskh or Thuluth, prioritizing legibility and the dissemination of official information over intricate artistic embellishment.

Technical/Grading: From a technical perspective, this billon coin, with its specifications of 5.95 grams and 29 millimeters, often presents challenges in strike quality. High-points for wear assessment include the central elements of the Tughra and the raised portions of the Arabic legends. Due to the billon alloy and the relatively large diameter for its weight, planchet irregularities, off-center strikes, and areas of weakness are common. Collectors should anticipate varying degrees of detail loss, particularly along the outer edges and in the finer calligraphic flourishes, even on higher-grade examples.