5 Para - Mahmud II and Said

Historical Context: This 1815 5 Para copper coin from the Baghdad Eyalet signifies the complex relationship between Ottoman imperial authority and provincial administration under Sultan Mahmud II (1808-1839). Mahmud II was a centralizing reformer. The coin's dual mention of the Sultan and Said (likely Said Pasha, Wali of Baghdad) highlights Mahmud II's reassertion of control over a province previously marked by semi-autonomy. This issue underscores the Sultan's fiscal and symbolic presence in vital, distant territories.

Artistry: The coin adheres to traditional Ottoman aniconic design, prioritizing elegant Arabic calligraphy. The anonymous provincial engraver worked within broader imperial stylistic conventions. Key design elements feature Sultan Mahmud II's elaborate tughra, the mint name 'Baghdad', the AH date (1230 for 1815 AD), and the 5 Para denomination. Artistic merit stems from the precise execution of the naskh or thuluth script, ensuring legibility and conveying the authority of both the Sultan and local governor.

Technical/Grading: As a provincial copper issue, the 5 Para exhibits variable strike quality. High-points for wear include the intricate flourishes of the Sultan's tughra and the central parts of the calligraphic inscriptions. Due to copper's softness and regional minting, examples often present uneven strikes, off-center alignment, or irregular planchets. The completeness of the tughra and the preservation of fine calligraphic detail are paramount for assessing technical merit and overall grade.