Our partner for world banknotes research
| Spink > Auction 26119 | Auction date: 4 March 2026 |
| Lot number: 944 Price realized: 28,000 GBP (Approx. 37,244 USD / 32,182 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: NGC AU55 | *Top Pop* | India, Princely States, Malerkotla, Ahmad Ali Khan (1908-1948), Nazarana Double Rupee, AH1326 (1908-1909), Persian inscription, rev. inscription with titular of ruler, 23.10g, 1h (KM Y10), some peripheral striking softness and light contact wear, otherwise with a light cabinet tone, an extremely fine sole year of issue type, thus of the highest rarity, the only issue of this denomination to have been struck under the reign of the penultimate nawab of Malerkotla, in NGC holder, graded AU55 [*Single Finest Certified*] (Cert. #8534357-001). https://www.ngccoin.uk/certlookup/8534357-001/55/, Ahmad Ali Khan (1881-1947) was the penultimate Nawab of the north-western and Muslim majority princely state of Malerkotla. He ruled from 1908 until his death on 16th October 1947, just weeks after India's independence. Following his death his son Iftikhar Ali Khan inherited the throne to the state, which was newly under the control of the Patiala and East Punjab States Union. This marked the end of nearly 500 years of Nawab power in the region. Upon independence Malerkotla became the only significant Muslim principality on the Indian side of the border with Pakistan. Today the name Malerkotla refers to one of the twenty-three districts in the state of Punjab. The origins of the state can be traced back to 1454. According to local history the rulers of the Kingdom were Pathan Afghans distantly related to the Lodis, the last dynasty of the Delhi Sultanates prior to the establishment of the Mughal Empire. It is believed that the first Lodi Sultan, Bahlol, granted the land which was to become the kingdom upon the marriage of his daughter, Taj Murassa Begum, to the Sufi saint Haider Shaikh. This settlement was known as Maler. Kotla came into being in 1659 when a descendent of Haider Shaikh was granted permission from the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb to build a fortified city. After this the rulers of the state were granted the title Nawab. A title comparable to the western title of emperor. Throughout the state's history and woven into its culture is a reputation for being a place of peacefulness and religious tolerance. An often cited and early example of this embedded pluralism dates to the early 1700s at the time of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. After the death of the Guru's father, he was engaged in several conflicts against the Mughal rulers of the region. Sher Mohammed Khan, the then Nawab of Malerkotla and general in the Mughal army was an active participant in the conflict against the Sikhs. In the decisive battle of Chamkaur (1704) Khan tragically lost his brother and nephew. However, in the aftermath he chose the path of reconciliation over revenge. He opposed the alive bricking up of the Guru's two young sons, aged only nine and seven, believing it to be against the tenets of Islam. This has come to be known as the 'Haa da Narra' (cry of pain) and is often seen as establishing a communal harmony between the Sikhs and Muslims of the region. Although this ideal of the state as a zone of peace has not always been the case, it is regarded as being true during the time of Partition. Unlike other neighbouring states, such as Patiala, Nabha and Jind, which were witness to countless acts of violence during this confused and chaotic time of mass migration, Malerkotla was a site of calm. This is often claimed to have been the result of the brave leadership of the Nawab. The state also chose to maintain an army during this time to keep control and there are accounts of soldiers assisting refugees to safety. Throughout his reign Ali Khan had been criticised for his secular views. On occasion he was seen to favour Hindus over Muslims, behaviour which resulted in riots during the 1930s. However, after his death and success in managing the Partition, he was regarded more favourably. He son summed up this feeling by calling him an 'exemplary Indian prince'. His reign was also notable for building projects and the improvement of state infrastructure. Such as the creation of a shopping bazaar in the image of the 'pink city' of Jaipur, as well as schools, hospitals and roads. Such expansion ultimately led to the state being landed in heavy debt. Actions which led the British to view him as a man of no great leadership ability, easily lead and financially irresponsible. In addition to his construction endeavours, he was also the sole Nawab of Malerkotla to inscribe his full name on the coinage of the state. Previous rulers had instead followed the tradition of naming the 18th century Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani, who had originally granted the state the right to mint coins. The coinage of Ahmad Ali is therefore unique based on this metric. Gold, silver and copper coins were issued by Ahmad Ali, the highest silver denomination being this one year of issue Nazarana Double Rupee. Estimate: £4000 - £5000 |  |
