© Maneeshks (CC BY-NC)
© Maneeshks (CC BY-NC)
¼ Tanka - Ala Al-din Mahmud Shah I
| Billon (24 Rati (of 96 Rati standard)) | 2.62 g | - |
| Issuer | Sultanate of Malwa (Indian Sultanates) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 852-870 (1448-1466) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | ¼ Tanka |
| Currency | Tanka (1401-1562) |
| Composition | Billon (24 Rati (of 96 Rati standard)) |
| Weight | 2.62 g |
| Size | 12.95 × 12.60 mm |
| Thickness | 2.5 mm |
| Shape | Square (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#156001 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Abu'l muzzaffar mahmud shah khalji
Script: Arabic
Edge
Plain
Comment
The coins may look very coppery.Coinage
Billon coins issued by Mahmud Shah I consists of 3 main series:
(1) a very debased, 100 rati issue weighing 12g and issued during a limited period in the AH860s;
(2) a 96 rati and their fractions struck on square flans with the legend on one side often presented in the shape of a rhombus, and
(3) a series of 80 rati tanka weighing 8.5-9g and its fractions, all round in shape.
The value of billon coins against the silver tanka is not known
{source G&G]
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of Billon, which is an alloy of silver and other metals, typically copper or zinc. The use of Billon in coinage was common in the Indian Sultanates during the 15th century, as it was a more affordable alternative to pure silver coins. Despite being made of a less valuable material, the ¼ Tanka coin still held significant value and was widely used in trade and commerce during its time.