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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;dougsmit, post: 1037207, member: 19463&quot;]The Shahi kings seemed to have ruled what is now mostly in Afghanistan and Pakistan in the 9th-11th centuries AD issuing these coins that reflect the interests of their diverse population (horsemen and Hindu).&nbsp; The earlier ones from the mint at Kabul were marked Sri Spalapati Deva (army commander)but when the Moslem armies occupied Kabul around 870 the mint moved to Ohind and the legend changed to Sri Samanta Deva which means feudatory chief.&nbsp; The letters are Devanagari.&nbsp; A very few have specific rulers named and the understanding of the whole business is none to certain.&nbsp; Most of what we know about the Shahis was written by their enemies.&nbsp; They seem to have ruled for a long time before they started issuing coins.&nbsp; The coins are about 70% silver and called jitals.&nbsp; After the fall of the Shahis, similar types were issued by many Islamic rulers of the region since they were the trade coin of choice.&nbsp; It is rather hard to find them in unworn condition but well circulated coins are common.&nbsp; Yours is cataloged as Tye 14 in Robert Tye&#039;s book <b>Jitals</b>.&nbsp; Many are poorly struck and off center so your example is rather nice despite the wear.&nbsp; There are several variations including different letters flanking the horseman.&nbsp; My photo shows four coins with the second from the right matching yours.</p><p><br /></p><p>Later (Islamic period) copies kept the same weight but got thicker and more base alloy so they don&#039;t look as good as these earlier ones.&nbsp; They exist by the millions.&nbsp; I like Jitals.</p><p>[ATTACH]101741.vB[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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