Shah Alam II, Small Sun-Face Rupee

The Princely State of Indore was one of the key states of the Maratha confederacy and became a British protectorate in the early 1800’s, its current location is in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. These silver Rupee’s were issued posthumously in the name of Shah Alam II (AH 1174-1221, 1759-1806 AD) by Shivaji Rao Holkar who was Maharaja of Indore from 1886-1903. The obverse of the coin has the legend in Persian reading bottom to top with Emperor's name and titles: Sikkah mubarak / Badshah Ghazi / Shah Alam = Auspicious coin of the Emperor, Warrior against the infidels, Shah Alam, with the date in centre left. The reverse carries the mint name and regnal year from bottom to top: Malharnagar Zarb /sanat (xx) julus / maimanat manus = struck at Malharnagar, (in the) year xx (of his) reign associated with prosperity). With a small radiant sun face in the 'S' of 'Julus', in the central line. These coins are hand struck, with variations in the features on the face and the lettering. They weigh approximately 11.4 grams and are around 20mm in diameter.