Jital - Mawdud Lahore mint

Émetteur Ghaznavid dynasty
Année 1041-1050
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur 1 Jital
Devise Jital (977-1186)
Composition Leaded copper (Copper+Lead)
Poids 3.11 g
Diamètre 15 mm
Épaisseur 2.4 mm
Forme Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Orientation Variable alignment ↺
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Tye#94, GG#GZ16
Description de l’avers Bull left, legend in Devnagari above
Écriture de l’avers
Légende de l’avers
Description du revers Within circle, legend in Arabic: `Adl / Shihab al-Dawla / wa qutb al-millat / abu ‘l fath / Mawdud` Outside circle, legend in Arabic (off flan): Lahore mint & date
Écriture du revers
Légende du revers
Tranche Plain
Atelier
Tirage ND (1041-1050) - -
ID Numisquare 6162395780
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: This Jital, struck at the Lahore mint (1041-1050), belongs to Ghaznavid Sultan Mawdud ibn Mas'ud. His rule faced significant Seljuk pressure in the west. Despite territorial losses, Mawdud consolidated control over eastern provinces, with Lahore as a crucial administrative and economic hub. The continued issuance of these copper jitals highlights their importance as the primary small denomination currency for daily commerce in Ghaznavid Punjab.

Artistry: The design adheres to established Ghaznavid numismatic tradition for base metal coinage, predominantly featuring an epigraphic style. While engravers remain anonymous, the coin showcases a utilitarian yet legible Kufic or early Naskh script. The obverse commonly presents a segment of the Kalima, while the reverse names Sultan Mawdud, with honorifics and the Lahore mint. Calligraphic execution, though often crude due to mass production, aimed for clarity in its religious and regal declarations, reflecting its functional purpose.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a small 15mm flan from a leaded copper alloy (3.11 grams), this Jital exhibits characteristics common to Ghaznavid base metal issues. High-points for wear and strike quality include the raised calligraphy elements, particularly vertical strokes and flan edges. Due to the soft leaded copper composition and hurried production, strikes can be weak or off-center, leading to incomplete legends. Die wear is also frequently observed, diminishing finer script details and overall presentation.

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