Gold
mohur of Jahangir with a
portrait of his father Akbar
Mughal dynasty, Minted AH 1014 / AD
1605
From India
Coin showing a memorial
portrait
Special presentation coins
(nazarana) and coin-like
commemorative medals were distributed by the Mughal emperor of
India on his anniversary, or at New Year. They were not intended
for general circulation, either because of their unusual designs or
their exceptional size. The New Year ceremony took place at the
beginning of the solar year and was an excuse to show off the
wealth of the Emperor's
treasures.
In 1605, the
first year of his reign, Emperor Jahangir (1605-28) issued a gold
mohur coin bearing a
memorial portrait of his father Akbar (1556-1605). The Arabic
inscription beside the fine portrait translates 'Allahu
Akbar [God is Great] sanah 1 julus [auspicious year 1]'.
The large sun on the reverse is a reference to the Ilahi era
introduced by Akbar, which was based on the solar
calendar.
The British
Museum has other coins issued by Jahangir in its collections,
including coins with his own portrait, and coins which show the
signs of the zodiac.