India, Sultans of Dehli: Fakhr al-Din Muhammad bin Tughluq (AH725-752, 1325-1351 AD), AE Tanka

Sultans of Dehli: Fakhr al-Din Muhammad bin Tughluq (AH725-752, 1325-1351 AD), AE Tanka (Forced Token Currency), Takhtgah Dehli mint, AH731, G&G D403 (9.1 g, 21 mm)

One of Muhammad bin Tughluq's experiments was his attempt to force a fiduciary brass tanka into circulation, replacing the silver one. The token issues were inscribed with legends almost imploring the masses to accept them. The experiment failed as the coins could easily be reproduced by moderately skilled people: they were counterfeited in large numbers and soon became worthless. The (no doubt, red-faced) sultan was forced to redeem genuine and counterfeit issues alike (for they were almost impossible to distinguish) at full face value. Mounds of these failed token coins could still be seen lying at the Tughakabad fort a century later.

Obverse: Within circle: Min ata al-Sultan Faqad Ala al-Rehman [He who obeys the Sultan obeys the Merciful one (i.e., God)]. Margin: Dur Takhtgah Dehli Sal Bar Hafsad Si Yek (Struck at Takhtgah Dehli in year seven hundred thirty one)

Reverse: Muhr Shud Tankah Raij Dar Rozgar Bandah Amidvar Muhammad Tughluq (Sealed as a Tanka in the reign of the slave, hopeful of divine mercy, Muhammad Tughluq)

 

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Thanks. I've always admired the calligraphy on coins such as this, even if I'm intimidated in trying to translate them. I need much more help than my copy of Plant.