Lot 399

Independent Kingdoms, Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh (AH 1263-1281, 1846-1864 AD), Silver Rupee, 10.93 gms, 25.46 mm, Amritsar Mint, “Nanakshahi” Couplet, Katar Symbol on Rev, VS 1882, AD 1825, Historical Significance: The VS 1882 (AD 1825) Nanakshahi silver rupee was struck during the zenith of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's empire, when the Sikh Kingdom had emerged as the dominant power in north-western India. Unlike contemporary rulers, Ranjit Singh chose not to place his own name on his coinage, instead dedicating it to Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, symbolizing that sovereignty belonged to the Sikh Gurus. The obverse bears the celebrated Nanakshahi Persian couplet: "Sikka zad bar har do alam fazl-i-Sacha Sahib ast, Fateh Tegh-i-Guru Gobind Singh Shah-i-Nanak Wahab ast," meaning, "By the grace of the True Lord, the coin has been struck in both worlds; victory belongs to the sword of Guru Gobind Singh, and the gift is from Guru Nanak." This remarkable inscription embodies the spiritual foundation of the Sikh Empire while commemorating the martial legacy of Guru Gobind Singh. Struck at Amritsar, the foremost mint and spiritual heart of Sikhism, these rupees remain among the most iconic and historically significant issues of Sikh numismatics, highly prized by collectors for their historical importance, dated varieties, and distinctive mint characteristics, Herrli # 01.07.04, G. Singh # Page no. 116, Type 01.48.01, Coins of the Sikh Empire, Saran & Dalwinder Singh, Page No. 205, AM # 2240b, very fine, extremely rare.