Tilla - Nasr-Allah bin Haydar Tora

Historical Context: This Tilla was issued during the reign of Nasr-Allah bin Haydar Tora, known as Nasrullah Khan, who ruled the Emirate of Bukhara from 1827 to 1858. His era was marked by a ruthless consolidation of power, often through violent means, as he sought to centralize authority and modernize the military. Despite internal strife and increasing Russian influence, the consistent issuance of the gold Tilla underscores Bukhara's economic resilience and its continued assertion of independent sovereignty as a major Central Asian power.

Artistry: Consistent with Islamic numismatic tradition, the Tilla’s design eschews figural representation in favor of intricate calligraphy. While specific engravers are typically unrecorded, the stylistic school is characterized by dense, often somewhat rustic, Arabic script. The obverse would customarily feature the Kalima (Shahada), while the reverse would bear the ruler's name, Nasr-Allah bin Haydar, along with his titles, the mint name 'Bukhara', and the Hijri date, all rendered within circular or linear frames typical of the Manghit dynasty.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold with a standard weight of 4.55 grams, this Tilla's strike quality can vary, though well-preserved examples show sharp detail in the central calligraphic legends. High-points for wear or strike weakness typically include the outer margins of the inscriptions and any fine ligatures. Planchets are often somewhat irregular, and off-centering is not uncommon. A full, well-centered strike with minimal die wear and clear legends represents a premium example for collectors, indicating superior preservation and striking technique.