© Harrison Helms
© Harrison Helms
1 Pitis - Sultan Zain al-Abadin Muazzam Shah
| Tin | 1.00 g | 17.5 mm |
| Issuer | Sultanate of Batubara (Indonesian States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1158-1178 (1745-1764) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Pitis (0.1) |
| Composition | Tin |
| Weight | 1.00 g |
| Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Thickness | 0.6 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#372916 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Arabic inscription in three lines
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
مصروف
بتو بهار
١٥٨
Unabridged legend: Masruf Batu Bahar Sanat 158
Translation: Established expenditures of Batubara (1)158
Edge
Plain
Comment
Located on the Northeastern coast of the island of Sumatra, Batubara, also known as Lima Laras, was a tiny sultanate under the suzerainty of the Sultanate of Siak. It’s been estimated that the sultanate was founded sometime in the 16th century, having neither a permanently located palace nor a singular king, being ruled by five, then seven rulers who were known as "datuk."On 25 August 1865, the governor-general of the Netherlands East Indies ordered an expedition of seven steamers and some 1,400 men to East Sumatra, subduing Batubara under Dutch control.
The sultanate issued coins in denominations of 1, 1/2, and 1/4 pitis, each indicated by their weight and diameter. While most examples possess the date of 1158 AH, some have been found to be undated or dated 1178 AH. Furthermore, some examples include "Malik" on the reverse inscription, rather than "Masruf."
For more information, see the Zeno.ru entry below:
https://www.zeno.ru/showphoto.php?photo=275615
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of tin, which was a common material used for coinage in the Sultanate of Batubara (Indonesian States) during that time period.