Three Extremely Rare Medieval Coins of India Issued by Muslim Rulers

There are some fine examples of Medieval India Coinage that will definitely make you go wow! Today, we take a look at three extremely rare and stunning medieval period coins that were issued by Muslim rulers.

Silver Tanka of Mamluk Dynasty Ruler, Razia Sultan

These extremely rare coins of medieval India were issued by the Mamluk dynasty of Delhi Sultanate during the regime of Raziya Sultan who reigned from 1236 AD to 1240 AD. These round shaped silver tanka coins weighed between 10.8 to 10.9 grams and were die-struck at Delhi mint in 635 AH.  These medieval period coins belonged to the Fi Ahd series and bore Arabic inscriptions. The obverse featured the legend Al-Sultan Al-AZam Shamsa Al-Dunya WaL Din Al-Sultan Al-Mu'Azzam Radiyyat Al-Dunya Wa'L Din, while the reverse depicted the text Fi Ahd Al-Imam Al-Mustansir Amir Al-MuMinin in Arabic.

Gold Tanka of Deccan Sultanate Ruler, Shams Al-Din Muhammad Shah III

Here’s another example of extremely rare Medieval coins of India which were issued by the Deccan Sultanate (also known as Bahamanis) during the regime of Shams Al-Din Muhammad Shah III who ruled from 1463 to 14 82 AD. This round shaped gold Tanka weighs 10.4 grams and belongs to the Al-mutasim series.  They were die-struck in the Anno Hijri year 867. Experts believe that these coins in Medieval India were struck from two reverse dies. The obverse side features the Arabic text Muhammad Shah Bin Humayun Shah al-Sultan (Khallad Mulkahu) where Muhammad is written on the top. The reverse side features the legend Muhammad Shah Bin Humayun Shah al-Sultan (Khallad Mulkahu) where Muhammad is written on the top.

Gold Tanka of Madura Sultanate Ruler, Ghiyat Al Din Muhammad Damghan Shah 

These extremely rare Medieval coins in India were issued by Madura Sultanate during the reign of Ghiyat Al Din Muhammad Damghan Shah, who ruled for four years from 1340 AD to 1344 AD. This marvellous Gold Tanka weighs between 11.8 to 11.9 grams. These round shaped coins of Medieval India were die-struck in the Anno Hijri year 741 at Daulatabad Mint. The obverse side features the Arabic text   Al Sultan Al Azam Ghiyat Al Dunya Wa'l Din Abu'l Muzaffar Muhammad Damghan Shah Al Sultan while the reverse side features the text Sikandar Al Sani Yamin Al Khilafa Nasir Amir Al Mominin, Date written out in margins around the legend with mint name.

The best way to learn about the history of Medieval India is by understanding and analysing the coinage from that time period. So, keep looking for more interesting Coins of Medieval India and do let us know if you find one!

Medieval coins of Vijayanagara – Tuluva, Bikaner Princely state and Sultans of Madura

Coins of medieval India are found in so many different varieties that you will be truly amazed! The most popular medieval period coins of India are the ones that were issued during the Mughal period and the ones struck under the regime of Maratha Kings. However, if you really want to learn in depth about history of Medieval India, then you will have to research about the different categories of Medieval India coinage. Coins in Medieval India can be broadly classified into five different categories namely, Sultans, Mughals, Independent Kingdoms, Indian Princely states and Hindu Kingdoms. Let’s explore some examples from these varieties.

You must have heard of famous dynasties which ruled Delhi Sultanate like Mamluk, Khilji, Tughluq, Suri etc. but many of us might not be aware about the Sultans of Madura. Ghiyat Al Din Muhammad Damghan Shah was one of the rulers from this dynasty whose reign lasted for a short period of four years, from 1340 to 1344. Here’s one of the beautiful medieval coins of India that was issued under his regime in 744 AH. This extremely rare Gold Tanka weighs around 11.8 to 11.9 grams and was Die-Struck at Daulatabad. These exquisite medieval period coins featured the Persian legend Al Sultan Al Azam Shams Al Dunya Wa'd Din Abu'l Muzaffar Ibrahim Shah Al Sultan Khulidat Mamlakatahu on the obverse. The reverse of these medieval coins of India featured the legend Sikandar Al Sani Yamin Al Khilafa Nasir Amir Al Mominin along with Date at in margins and mint name.

Sadashivaraya was the ruler of Vijayanagara - Tuluva from 1542 to 1568. These Gold Pagodas are considered to be one of the most artistic coins in Medieval India.  They weigh around 3.4 grams and have a diameter of 11 to 12 millimetres. They belong to the Vishnu and Lakshmi series of Vijayanagara - Tuluva coins.  The obverse design of these lovely medieval coins of India featured Vishnu and Lakshmi sitting on a raised seat. Vishnu is holding a discus in his right hand while a conch in his left hand. The reverse depicted the Devanagari Legend "Sri Pra / ta pa Sa da si / va ra ya" in three lines.


Sardar Singh ruled Bikaner Princely state from 1851 to 1872. During his regime, he issued some extremely rare medieval period coins. This 1/4 Rupee copper coin weighs around 2.67 to 2.90 grams and has a diameter of 18 to 21 millimetres. These round or irregular shaped medieval coins of India were die struck at Bikanir Mint and followed the Anno Hijri Calendar system. The obverse featured name and title of Alamgir, AH date and a lined upright leaf, while the reverse featured Mint marks and a Persian legend.

 Keep looking out for these stunning Medieval Period Coins of India and do share pictures of your collection!

Varieties of Medieval Period Coins That You Might Not be Aware About!

When we talk about coin of medieval India in the field of numismatics, the ones issued by popular kings like Akbar, Shahjahan, Shivaji etc are more popular. However there are several other interesting medieval period coins of India that have a lot of historical significance. These unique medieval coins can make your collection even more interesting. Let’s take a look at some unique coins of medieval India today.

Medieval coins of India can be broadly classified into five groups namely, the once issued by various sultans, Mughal coinage, coins struck under independent kingdoms, coins issued by princely states and finally the ones issued by Hindu Kingdoms and empires. The Indian subcontinent was governed by various sultanates like Delhi Sultanate, Malwa Sultanate, Gujarat sultanate, Bengal sultanate, Deccan Sultanate etc. in the medieval times. Apart from them, Kashmir, Ahmadnagar, Madura etc. were also governed by different sultanates. Each of these sultanates issued different medieval period coins featuring various designs and inscriptions.

Then comes the coins of Medieval India struck under the Mughals. Powerful emperors like Akbar and Shahjahan issued various types of beautiful medieval coins which are sold at auction houses across the world even today for impressive amounts.

When it comes to independent kingdoms, medieval period coins issued under the Marathas, Ahom dynasty, Mysore, Vijayanagar Empire and Sikhs come into the picture. As a passionate collector, you can research about these varieties and add value to your collection of medieval coins.

Coins issued by Princely states fall under another huge category. You can consider collecting beautiful coins of Bhopal, Bhavnagar, Awadh, Bikaner, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Indore, Mysore, Travancore etc. You will be able to understand the unique cultures, traditions and languages of India through the study of these amazing coins of Medieval India.

Finally you can look for coins issued by Hindu Kingdoms and empires like Nolambas, Yadavas, Hoysalas, Eastern Gangas, Imperial Cholas, Vaghelas etc. 
All in all, if you thought that medieval coins are only about the ones issued by Mughals and Marathas, then you are totally wrong! You must look to expand your horizons as a collector and keep researching about the different varieties of Medieval Period coins.