Rare Ahmad Shah Durrani Silver Rupee – Peshawar Mint RY 22 – 18th Century Afghan Empire Coin

This coin is a classic “Rupee” of Ahmad Shah Durrani, often referred to as the father of modern Afghanistan. The Obverse features the rhythmic Persian poetic couplet typical of the Durrani monarchs: “Hukm shud az qadir-e-bechun ba Ahmad Badshah, Sikka-e-zan bar sim-o-zar az auj-e-mahi ta ba mah” (Command came from God, the Incomparable, to Ahmad the King, to strike coin on silver and gold, from the height of the fish to the moon).

The Reverse contains the Formulaic “Manus” legend: “Zarb Peshawar Sanat 22 Julus-e-Maimanat-e-Manus”, which translates to “Struck at Peshawar in the 22nd year of his reign of prosperous association.” Physically, the coin shows the characteristic “thick flan” of the era, where the die is larger than the silver blank, resulting in some of the peripheral text being cut off—a hallmark of authenticity for this period.

Condition Note

Grade: Very Fine (VF) The coin displays strong, legible calligraphy with even wear across the high points. The fields are relatively clean with a pleasing grey patina. There is a small “shroff mark” (a tiny punch) visible near the center, which was historically done by money changers to verify the silver purity; while technically a “damage” mark, it adds to the historical character of the piece.

Identification

• Name: Silver Rupee

• Ruler: Ahmad Shah Durrani (also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali)

• Mint: Peshawar (identified by the “Peshawar” mint mark at the bottom of the reverse)

• Date/Regnal Year: AH 11xx (The full date is partially off-flan, but the Regnal Year “22” is visible, placing it around 1768-1769 AD).

• Metal Composition: Silver (.900 – .950 fine silver typically)