Full Description:
Karauli, Manak Pal, Sawai Jaipur Mint, Gold Nazarana Mohur, AH 1199/26 RY, Struck at Karauli as evidenced by the floral pattern of dots, In the name of Shah Alam II, Obv: sikka mubarak badshah ghazi Shah Alam Bahadur within dotted circle, Rev: sana 26 julus, zarb Sawai Jaipur at the bottom, 10.89g, 27mm, (JONS # 202, pg no 40 by Jan Lingen). choice extremely fine+. Extremely Rare.
The earliest coinage of Karauli State follows the type of coinage of Jaipur, but it can be distinguished by its peculiar fabric and calligraphy, which makes the coins easy to recognise. In 1785 AD the Maharajkumari married the Rao Raja Bishen Singh of Bundi (Maharaja of Bundi from 1804-1821) and it is likely that, for this occasion, a traditional gift of gold coins was given to the newly-wed couple. As no other commemorative or festive events took place during this period, it must have been specially prepared for the auspicious occasion of the wedding. This nazarana mohur in the name of Shah Alam II is one of few to have surfaced of this type, it is identical in all aspects with the rupees of that period, which indicates that they were struck with the same dies used for the regular silver currency. In past few die-identical pieces have appeared which were mostly ex-mount and believed that they were not struck for currency but for an auspicous occasion. This specimen does not indicates any traces of mount, same like one sold in our Auction No 6, Lot no 5202 in the year 2012. The coins which are not ex-mount have been regarded as extremely rare. |