Lot 343

Kashmir Sultanate: Sikandar Shah I (796-816 AH / 1393-1413 CE), Silver ½ Tanka, Mint listed as Kashmir, 5.45 gms, 17.08 mm, 808 AH (1405-06 CE). Obverse Legends in Arabic: Khalifat Al-Zaman Sikandar Al-Sultan (Caliph of the times/age Sikandar The Sultan) Reverse Legends in Arabic: Dhuriba Fi Mehrusi Kashmir (Struck in  guarded/fortified Kashmir) , date at the top in Arabic numerals, Unlisted in Goron and Goenka, very fine+, unique and exceedingly rare.

There are no coins of Sikandar Shah-I of the Shah Miri dynasty of Kashmir that list his name. The specimen offered here not only lists the name of the Sultan but also provides an epithet for Kashmir indicating that Kashmir is guarded and held firmly under the capable Sultan Sikandar-I. The denomination is resolved as a half tanka as the successor of Sikandar Shah: Zain Al-Abidin is known to have struck silver tankas based on the Dehli standard: 10.8 - 10.9 grams. An exceedingly rare and historic coin for enthusiasts of Sultanate coinage & particularly of Kashmir Sultanate numismatics and history.