20 Qirsh - Abdullah
| Billon | 20.7 g | 35 mm |
| Issuer | Mahdist State (Sudan) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | Abdallahi ibn Muhammad al-Khalifa (1885-1899) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1310-1312 (1893-1895) |
| Calendar | Islamic (Hijri) |
| Value | 20 Qirsh |
| Currency | Piastre (1885-1898) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 20.7 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-07 |
| Numista | N#91747 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 85% |
Reverse
Text, Azza Nasruhu within circle of stars and crescents and roses
over date
Script: Arabic
Lettering:
عز نصره
ضرب في
ام درمان
١٣١٢
Translation:
May he be victorious
Struck in Omdurman
1312
Comment
Abdullah Ibn-Mohammed Al-Khalifa or Abdullah al-Khalifa or Abdullahi al-Khalifa, also known as "The Khalifa" (Arabic: c. عبدالله بن سيد محمد الخليفة; 1846 – November 25, 1899) was a Sudanese Ansar ruler (like king or royal) who was one of the principal followers of Muhammad Ahmad. Ahmad claimed to be the Mahdi, building up a large following. After his death Abdallahi ibn Muhammad took over the movement, adopting the title of Khalifat al-Mahdi (usually rendered as "Khalifa"). He attempted to create a kingdom, which led to widespread discontent, and his eventual defeat and death at the hands of the British.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdallahi_ibn_Muhammad
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the Mahdist State, a short-lived Islamic state that was established in Sudan in the late 19th century. The Mahdist State was founded by Muhammad Ahmad, who declared himself the Mahdi, or the guided one, and led a successful rebellion against the British colonial rule in Sudan. The coinage of the Mahdist State was characterized by its unique design and inscriptions, which reflected the Islamic beliefs and values of the ruling regime. The 20 Qirsh coin, in particular, features an interesting blend of Arabic calligraphy and traditional Sudanese motifs, making it a valuable collector's item for numismatists and historians interested in the history of Sudan and Islamic coinage.
