Discover a historic silver rupee from the princely State of Awadh, struck at Lucknow in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This coin reflects the fascinating transition from Mughal imperial authority to regional rule, when Awadh maintained traditional Mughal coinage conventions even as its own political identity grew stronger.
Weighing approximately 11.4 grams, this silver rupee features the traditional Persian inscriptions associated with Mughal coinage and the distinctive fish emblem known as Mahi Maratib. The fish symbol became closely associated with Awadh’s ruling establishment and is an important identifying feature of its historical coinage.
COIN DETAILS:
State: Awadh
Ruling Authority: Awadh State
Issued in the Name of: Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II
Denomination: 1 Rupee
Metal: Silver
Weight: Approximately 11.4 g
Mint: Lucknow
Date: AH 12xx
Coinage Style: Frozen Mughal Style
Mint Mark: Fish (Mahi Maratib)
Type: Silver Rupee
OBVERSE:
Bears traditional Persian legends invoking the authority of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, continuing the established style of Mughal rupee coinage.
REVERSE:
Features the date and mint-related inscriptions in the traditional Mughal format. The fish emblem associated with Mahi Maratib is an important identifying element of Awadh coinage.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Awadh emerged as a powerful regional state during the 18th century as Mughal central authority weakened. Its rulers continued to issue coins in the name of the Mughal emperor, preserving the familiar monetary conventions that facilitated trade and reinforced established imperial legitimacy.
The fish emblem, known as Mahi Maratib, became a distinctive symbol associated with Awadh’s rulers and their courtly traditions. Its appearance on coinage provides an interesting connection between regional political identity and the older Mughal monetary system.
NUMISMATIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Awadh silver rupees are valued by collectors for their traditional Persian calligraphy, regional mint attributions, and distinctive symbols. The frozen Mughal-style format illustrates the persistence of imperial coinage conventions under regional authority.
COLLECTOR’S APPEAL:
• Silver rupee of the historic State of Awadh
• Struck at the Lucknow Mint
• Issued in the name of Shah Alam II
• Distinctive fish emblem associated with Mahi Maratib
• Traditional frozen Mughal-style design
• An appealing addition to collections of Mughal, Awadh, and regional Indian silver coinage
A historically significant silver rupee illustrating the meeting of Mughal monetary tradition and Awadh’s distinctive regional identity.
