Islamic Silver Rupee (Tanka / Dirham equivalent)

Mughal Empire or Delhi Sultanate (Islamic World, South Asia) · Circa 13th to 17th Century AD (Islamic Hijri calendar dates)

Thick hand-struck silver coin featuring classical Arabic calligraphic inscriptions in cursive scripts (such as Naskh or Thuluth) filling the flan on both sides.

Country: Mughal Empire or Delhi Sultanate (Islamic World, South Asia)
Year: Circa 13th to 17th Century AD (Islamic Hijri calendar dates)
Denomination: Rupee / Tanka
Metal: Silver (approx. 90-95% fine silver)

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Identified September 20, 2026More mughal empire or delhi sultanate (islamic world, south asia) coins →

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At a glance

Coin: Islamic Silver Rupee (Tanka / Dirham equivalent)
Country: Mughal Empire or Delhi Sultanate (Islamic World, South Asia)
Year: Circa 13th to 17th Century AD (Islamic Hijri calendar dates)
Denomination: Rupee / Tanka
Metal: Silver (approx. 90-95% fine silver)
Grade: Fine to Very Fine, showing typical medieval hand-strike imperfections, uneven flan, and central wear but clear lettering.
Mint mark: Various mint locations across the empire (e.g., Delhi, Lahore, Agra), often off-flan or partially visible in the marginal legends.
Edge: Plain / irregular hand-clipped edge
Weight / Ø: Approx. 11.0 grams to 11.5 grams, with a diameter of roughly 20-22 mm (varies due to irregular hand-poured and struck flans).
Mintage: Common to scarce depending on the specific ruler and mint year, as millions were struck by hand over centuries.
Identified: September 20, 2026

Overview

Thick hand-struck silver coin featuring classical Arabic calligraphic inscriptions in cursive scripts (such as Naskh or Thuluth) filling the flan on both sides.

Historical significance

Struck during medieval Islamic rule in South Asia, these coins served as the backbone of trade and commerce under powerful Sultanates or the Mughal Empire, reflecting the political, religious, and economic reach of the rulers.

Obverse (front)

Arabic calligraphy arranged in linear panels or central fields, typically displaying the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith) or the ruler's titles.

Reverse (back)

Additional religious titles, ruler's name, or mint and date formulas inscribed in decorative Arabic script.

Estimated value

$20-$60 depending on exact ruler, mint clarity, and state of preservation.

What drives this coin's value

Readability of the ruler's name, complete mint and date panels, and overall centering of the strike.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine, showing typical medieval hand-strike imperfections, uneven flan, and central wear but clear lettering.

Mintage & rarity

Common to scarce depending on the specific ruler and mint year, as millions were struck by hand over centuries.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight, metallic ring, and authentic cast or hand-struck fabric. Modern forgeries are sometimes cast with softer details.

Notable varieties & errors

Square-in-circle border types, poetic couplet rupees of later Mughal rulers, and rare mint-year combinations.

Similar coins

Various other Islamic fractional and full silver coins from neighboring dynasties including the Abbasids, Ilkhanates, and various regional Sultanates.