Maratha Confederacy Silver Rupee – Shah Alam II – Jafarabad urf Chandor Mint – AH 1199 – KM# 260 – 11.19 g
Discover an intriguing silver rupee from the era of the Maratha Confederacy, struck in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. This historical coin reflects the complex political landscape of late 18th-century India, when regional powers continued established Mughal monetary traditions for commerce and currency circulation.
Bearing elegant Persian inscriptions and traditional Mughal-style calligraphy, this rupee is attributed to the Jafarabad urf Chandor mint. Weighing 11.19 grams, it represents an interesting intersection of Mughal imperial authority and Maratha-era regional coinage, making it a compelling piece for collectors of Indian history and medieval-to-modern Indian numismatics.
OBVERSE:
Features the Persian legend “Sikka Mubarak Badshah Ghazi,” invoking the authority and prestige of the Mughal emperor. The bold calligraphy reflects the established design conventions of Mughal-style silver rupees.
REVERSE:
Displays the mint, date, and regnal-year details, including the traditional “Sana Julus Zarb” formula. The inscriptions provide important clues for identifying the mint attribution and historical issue.
COIN DETAILS:
Authority: Maratha Confederacy
Issued in the Name of: Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II (1759–1806 CE)
Denomination: 1 Rupee
Metal: Silver
Weight: 11.19 g
Diameter: 22.27 mm
Mint: Jafarabad urf Chandor
Date: AH 1199
Approximate Period: Late 18th Century CE
Reference: KM# 260
Condition: About Extremely Fine (AEF)
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Shah Alam II ruled the Mughal Empire from 1759 to 1806 CE, a period during which imperial political authority increasingly overlapped with the growing power of regional states. The Marathas expanded their influence across large parts of India and continued to use established Mughal coinage conventions in certain territories and monetary systems.
Coins struck in a Mughal emperor’s name under regional authority illustrate how imperial legitimacy and practical commercial needs continued to shape Indian currency during this period. The attribution of this particular issue to the Maratha Confederacy and the Jafarabad urf Chandor mint should be understood in the context of its catalogue classification.
NUMISMATIC SIGNIFICANCE:
This silver rupee combines Mughal imperial titulature with a regional mint attribution associated with Maratha-era coinage. Its Persian inscriptions, traditional rupee format, and historical context make it an interesting study piece for collectors of Shah Alam II, Maratha Confederacy, and regional Indian silver currency.
CONDITION AND COLLECTOR’S APPEAL:
• Classified as About Extremely Fine (AEF)
• Well-centred strike with bold Persian calligraphy, as described
• Traditional Mughal-style silver rupee
• Associated with the historical period of Maratha political influence
• Attractive to collectors of Mughal and Maratha coinage
• An interesting addition to a collection of late 18th-century Indian silver rupees
AGE OF COIN:
Dating to the late 18th century, this coin is approximately 225–250 years old, depending on the confirmed conversion of its Hijri date.