© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
1 Qandahari Rupee - Kohandil Khan Second reign
| Silver | 5.75 g | - |
| Issuer | Principality of Qandahar (Qandahar, Afghan States) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | Kohan Dil Khan (1831-1839, 1843-1855) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1260-1271 (1844-1855) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 1 Rupee |
| Currency | Local Rupees (1747-1891) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 5.75 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#232040 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 85% |
Reverse
Inscription surrounded by beaded border.
Script: Arabic
Comment
DURRANI: Kohandil Khan, 1840-1855, Qandahari rupee, Ahmadshahi mint.
KM calls this coin a ½ rupee, but Album points out that this is a full rupee struck to a different (local) standard:
"The Qandahari rupee was noted by several European visitors as
equal to 10/17 of the Kabuli rupee, though a relationship of
approximately 10/16.5 is more likely, assuming that the two mints
maintained identical fineness. It is also equivalent to precisely
half the traditional Mughal rupee of 11.52g."
S. Album, Checklist of Islamic Coins, 3d Edition, p. 315
Interesting fact
The 1 Qandahari Rupee coin from the Principality of Qandahar, made of silver and weighing 5.75g, is interesting because it was issued during the second reign of Kohandil Khan (1844-1855), a time of great political and economic change in the region. The coin's design and inscriptions reflect the cultural and religious influences of the area, showcasing a unique blend of Islamic and Persian styles. Additionally, the coin's silver content and weight were carefully regulated to ensure its value and authenticity, highlighting the importance of trade and commerce in the region.
