Jital - Taj al-Din Yildiz Ghorid of Ghazna / Lahore mint

Historical Context: This Jital was issued by Taj al-Din Yildiz, a prominent Mamluk general and former slave of Muhammad of Ghor. Following Muhammad's assassination in 1206, Yildiz asserted control over Ghazna and later contested Lahore, establishing a short-lived independent Ghurid successor state. His reign (1206-1215) marks a highly tumultuous period in the Indian subcontinent, characterized by the fragmentation of the Ghurid Empire and the emergence of independent Mamluk rulers. This coinage reflects Yildiz's claim to legitimacy during a critical transitional era.

Artistry: The design of this Jital, typical for the Ghurid and early Delhi Sultanate period, likely features syncretic iconography. While specific details for Tye#201 are not provided, many Jitals of this era display a recumbent bull on the obverse, continuing earlier Hindu Shahi numismatic traditions. This is paired with Arabic legends on the reverse, often in Kufic or Naskh script, identifying Taj al-Din Yildiz and potentially the mint. The engraver remains anonymous, reflecting a functional rather than individualized artistic approach.

Technical/Grading: Struck from a leaded copper alloy, this Jital (3.20 gg, 17.0 mm) exhibits characteristics common to mass-produced medieval coinage. The soft alloy and rapid striking often result in weak or off-center strikes, leading to partial legends or indistinct motifs. For grading, key considerations include the legibility of the Arabic script, the completeness of any animal motif (e.g., bull's head or horseman's figure), and overall planchet integrity. Corrosion and pitting are frequently observed due to the base metal composition, impacting surface details.