Hi, I am new to the site and am a collector of silver foreign coins. My main focus is Latin American coins, in particular, Brazilian (1800s). I occasionally come across coins at shows that spark my interest. This was one that I picked up for a good price and it was listed as an Indian temple token from the 1800s. I was skeptical and have been doing some research. My best guess is that it is from the Indian Moghul Empire, Akbar period 1526 to 1605. I am a bit confused about what looks like numbers listed vertically 3383, which I have not seen on any of the coins from the period. Does anyone have any idea of the origin of the coin? Am I off base? Also, it looks genuine to me, but this is not my area of expertise. Many thanks.
welcome LH! i think it's a moghul coin, but i'm not sure. there are some here who will know exactly what it is.
I am sorry, but i think the original description was correct. This is a bad imitation of a coin issued under Delhi sultan Sher Shah Suri. This copy is from around 1900AD. The calligraphy is very badly executed and almost illegible. For a similar one (with better calligraphy) look here: http://www.zeno.ru/showphoto.php?photo=32393
Remarkable that you could identify the coin. Fortunately, it did not cost me much and it has made me interested in Moghul coins. Does anyone know what the series of 3s on the coin indicates? Also, do these imitations have any value? Many thanks.
The 3's are not threes. Within the square the upper line (from right to left) is supposed to read "there's no God but Allah". The lower line reads "Muhammad is the prophet of Allah". So your 3s are actually twice the word "Allah", but very badly copied by the engraver. Note that this is based on a Suri coin, not Moghul. This is a previous dynasty. The style of coinage is very different from the Moghul. Value for a good silver jewelers copy token would be around 25-30 dollars.
Thank you again. I learned a lot from your impressive knowledge of the coin. I will be on the lookout for authentic Moghul coins in the future. Best regards.
Dont letthis deter you please ! Indian silver coinage is still relatively underappreciated and relatively cheap to be found. But you have to be preparedto do some studying. Especially do not buy the frequently offered "square Akbar rupees" without some more insight. These are almost all later copies. If you don't mind a few shroff marks thereare plenty of real moghul coins for sale
