Sultani - Murad III Aleppo, type 2

Historical Context: This Sultani, issued by the Aleppo Eyalet in 1575 (AH 983), dates to the reign of Sultan Murad III (1574-1595), the twelfth Ottoman ruler. His era marked significant imperial expansion alongside nascent internal and external challenges. Aleppo, a vital commercial and strategic center in the Ottoman Levant, served as a key minting location. This gold Sultani underscores the empire's economic power and meticulous control over provincial administration and coinage, facilitating extensive trade.

Artistry: Consistent with classical Ottoman numismatic tradition, this Sultani's design focuses entirely on epigraphy; specific engravers are not typically recorded. The obverse prominently features the intricate tughra of Sultan Murad III, along with his titles. The reverse bears the mint name 'Halab' (Aleppo) and the Hijri date, likely 983, within a decorative cartouche. The 'type 2' designation suggests a subtle variation in the arrangement or ornamentation of these calligraphic elements from earlier emissions.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 3.45 gram, 21 mm gold flan, this Sultani typically exhibits robust strike quality for a major imperial mint. High-points susceptible to wear include the intricate flourishes of the Sultan's tughra and the raised edges of the calligraphic legends. While centering and legend completeness are often good, minor variations in strike pressure, resulting in slight peripheral weakness or an irregular flan, are common due to the hammer-striking process. Gold purity was consistently high, reflecting the Ottoman monetary standard.