AV Pagoda - Burhan Nizam Shah II Burhanabad

Historical Context: Burhan Nizam Shah II ruled the Ahmadnagar Sultanate from 1591-1595, a period of profound instability and decline for the Deccan kingdom. Having spent years in exile, he reclaimed the throne with assistance from the Sultanate of Bijapur, briefly halting the encroaching Mughal influence under Emperor Akbar. This AV Pagoda, struck at Burhanabad (likely a regnal mint name for Ahmadnagar itself), represents a tangible assertion of his authority during a tumultuous reign marked by internal strife and external pressures that would ultimately lead to the sultanate's demise shortly after his death.

Artistry: The artistry of this Pagoda adheres to the established numismatic conventions of the Deccan Sultanates. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for the period, the coin showcases the elegant Islamic calligraphic style. The design typically features intricate legends in Naskh or Thuluth script, meticulously detailing Burhan Nizam Shah II's name and titles, the mint Burhanabad, and the Hijri date. The gold Pagoda type, though often associated with South Indian Hindu kingdoms, was adopted by Deccan Muslim rulers, frequently incorporating a central star or floral motif surrounded by pious invocations or royal titles.

Technical/Grading: This gold Pagoda (3.37 gg) often exhibits a characteristic broad-flan strike, sometimes with minor irregularities in its circularity. High-points crucial for grading include the clarity and completeness of any central design element and the uppermost curves and serifs of the intricate calligraphic legends. Strike quality can vary; while some examples present a full, crisp impression, others may show slight off-centering or partial strikes, particularly towards the flan edges. The gold purity is consistently high, reflecting the intrinsic value expected of this denomination.