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Paisa - Shah Alam II
| Issuer | Maratha Empire |
|---|---|
| Year | 1759-1806 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | KM#176a |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Reverse field bearing a mint mark or control symbol in raised relief, appearing as a schematic trident-like or floral device centrally placed on the broadly flat, granular copper surface. The flan edges are irregular and uneven, consistent with the crude hammered manufacture of Maratha copper issues. The field is otherwise plain and uninscribed, with no surrounding legend. Surface shows characteristic dark copper patina with areas of verdigris. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Shah Alam II was a Mughal emperor in name only for much of his reign — blinded on the orders of Ghulam Qadir in 1788, pensioned by the British after 1803, and effectively a prisoner within his own Red Fort. The Marathas struck coins in his name during the years they controlled Delhi, a calculated piece of political theater that lent their confederation a veneer of Mughal legitimacy without surrendering actual authority.
The practice of issuing copper in a subordinate ruler's name was standard Maratha fiscal policy across multiple occupied territories.