Delhi Sultanate Silver Tanka

Delhi Sultanate (Medieval India) · Circa 1200 - 1526 AD

A thick, roughly circular handmade silver coin featuring Arabic calligraphy on both sides.

Country: Delhi Sultanate (Medieval India)
Year: Circa 1200 - 1526 AD
Denomination: 1 Tanka
Metal: Silver (likely billon or low-grade silver)
Grade: Good to Fine (significant wear and surface oxidation / crystallization visible)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 4, 2026More delhi sultanate (medieval india) coins →

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Overview

A thick, roughly circular handmade silver coin featuring Arabic calligraphy on both sides.

Historical significance

These coins were the standard currency of the Delhi Sultanate, a period of Islamic rule in medieval India that laid the administrative and economic foundations for the later Mughal Empire.

Obverse (front)

Arabic calligraphy containing the name and titles of the Sultan, often including 'The Supreme Sultan', within a circular or square border.

Reverse (back)

Arabic calligraphy typically reciting the Islamic Kalima (declaration of faith) and the name of the Abbasid Caliph recognized by the Sultan.

Estimated value

$10 - $40 USD depending on the specific Sultan and legibility

What drives this coin's value

Legibility of the Sultan's name and the date; presence of a rare mint mark; overall silver content and metal integrity.

Grade assessment

Good to Fine (significant wear and surface oxidation / crystallization visible)

Mintage & rarity

Common for common Sultans; rare for short-lived rulers or specific provincial mints.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for 'casting bubbles' or seams which indicate fakes. Authentic hammered coins show uneven strike pressure and flow lines in the metal.

Notable varieties & errors

Varies by Sultan (e.g., Iltutmish, Balban, Alauddin Khalji); some feature unique geometric patterns around the central text.

Similar coins

Bengal Sultanate Tankas or Mughal Rupees. Distinguished by the style of calligraphy and the geometric borders.

Care & preservation

Avoid all chemical cleaners or polishing. Handle by the edges to prevent oil transfer. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or a specialized coin cabinet.