Lot 364

Mughal, Nasir Al-Din Humayun Bin Zahir Al-Din as vassal of the Safavid Sultan Tahmasp I, (1543 CE), Silver Half Shahrukhi, 2.35 gms, 19.40 mm, AH 952, Kandahar Mint (weak and mostly off-flan), Humayun was forced to seek the protection of the Safavid Sultan Tahamasp-I towards the end of 950 AH when he was forced out of Hindustan by Sher Shah Suri. Humayun sought Tahmasp’s assistance to regain his throne by initially conquering Qandahar. Tahmasp provided his support to Humayun on two conditions: Humayun should embrace the Shiite creed and that Qandahar be placed under Safavid control. Humayun acquiesced to both conditions and was able to get control of Qandahar in 952 AH. The coin being issued here bears the Shiite kalima (profession of faith) and has Humayun’s name while also citing Shah Tahmasp as his overlord. This is a historic coin that bears testament to the event that eventually led to the return of Mughals to Hindustan. An extremely rare denomination and a prized numismatic inclusion that is a must for Mughal coin enthusiasts, Album # F2464, very fine, extremely rare.