Explore the fascinating coinage of Baroda State with this historic silver half rupee associated with Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad and struck at the Ahmedabad Mint. Dated AH 1199, this coin was issued in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, reflecting the monetary traditions that continued across western India during the late 18th century.
Weighing approximately 5.75 grams, this silver coin represents an important period in the history of the Gaekwad dynasty, when regional rulers maintained familiar Mughal coinage conventions for circulation and commercial acceptance.
COIN DETAILS:
State: Baroda
Dynasty: Gaekwad
Ruler Attribution: Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad
Reign: 1778–1789 CE, as supplied
Denomination: Half Rupee
Metal: Silver
Weight: Approximately 5.75 g
Date: AH 1199
Mint: Ahmedabad
Issued in the Name of: Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II
Period: Late 18th Century
OBVERSE:
Features traditional Persian inscriptions invoking the authority of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, following the established conventions of Mughal-style silver coinage.
REVERSE:
Bears the date, mint-related details, and other inscriptions characteristic of the issue. The precise legend and mint marks should be confirmed from the individual coin.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
During the 18th century, the Gaekwad rulers of Baroda expanded their influence across Gujarat. Although regional powers increasingly exercised political and administrative authority, Mughal imperial names continued to appear on many coins. This practice helped preserve familiarity and acceptability within established monetary systems.
Ahmedabad was an important commercial and monetary centre in Gujarat. Silver issues associated with this mint provide an interesting glimpse into the interconnected political and economic history of Mughal-era and Maratha-era western India.
NUMISMATIC SIGNIFICANCE:
This half rupee combines a regional Gaekwad attribution with Mughal imperial titulature and an Ahmedabad mint association. Its silver composition, fractional denomination, and late 18th-century context make it an interesting addition to collections of Baroda State, Mughal, and regional Indian coinage.
COLLECTOR’S APPEAL:
• Silver half rupee associated with Baroda State
• Attributed to the Gaekwad dynasty
• Ahmedabad Mint
• Dated AH 1199
• Issued in the name of Shah Alam II
• An appealing historical issue from late 18th-century western India
• Suitable for collections of Baroda, Mughal, and Maratha-era coinage
AGE OF COIN:
AH 1199 generally corresponds to approximately 1784–1785 CE, making this coin around 241–242 years old in 2026.
