Dirham - Töregene Khatun (Archer type) 642-645 (1242-1247) front Dirham - Töregene Khatun (Archer type) 642-645 (1242-1247) back
Dirham - Töregene Khatun (Archer type) 642-645 (1242-1247) photo

Dirham - Töregene Khatun Archer type

 
Silver 2.9 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
Great Mongol
Queen
Töregene Khatun (1241-1246)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
642-645 (1242-1247)
Calendar
Islamic (Hijri)
Value
Silver Dirham (0.7)
Currency
Dinar (1206-1368)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.9 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Orientation
Variable alignment ↺
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-06
References
Numista
N#295739
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Kalima in the centre with the year (and in some cases the mint) going around.

Lettering:
لا اله الا
الله محمد
رسول الله

Translation: There is no god but God. Muhammad is the Messenger of God.

Comment

Töregene, also known as Turakina, was the Great Khatun of the Mongol Empire from 1242 until 1246. Although initially acting as a regent for her son Güyük on the death of her husband Ögedei, a long delay in the election process caused by internal politicking meant that she assumed the full powers of a Great Khan as Great Khatun. An able politician and strategist, Mongol expansion continued under her rule, notably into Anatolia.

This coin, and others like it, date to her reign, even though she is not mentioned by name. There are various types from different mints that are still not fully described. One of the most comprehensive efforts is in an article by Aram Vardanyan (https://www.academia.edu/1498313/Coins_with_the_inscription_Ulugh_Mangyl_Ulus_Bek_XIII_AD).  Some varieties show the archer facing left, some facing right. Some show a hare, others show a hunting dog or a bird. A fascinating coin that represents a time when the most powerful empire on Earth was ruled by a woman.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin Dirham - Töregene Khatun (Archer type) 642-645 (1242-1247) from Great Mongol made of Silver weighing 2.9 g is that it features an image of Töregene Khatun, the wife of Güyük Khan and the mother of Möngke Khan, on the obverse side. This is significant because it was rare for a woman to be featured on a coin during that time period, especially in a society that was largely patriarchal. The fact that Töregene Khatun was included on the coin suggests that she played an important role in Mongolian society and politics, and her image was used as a symbol of power and authority.

Price

Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
642 (1244)  - - - - - -

Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Dirham - Töregene Khatun (Archer type) 642-645 (1242-1247) coin.