Lot 2537

Description

Afghanistan, `Abdul Rahman, (A.H. 1297-1319, A.D. 1880-1901), copper pattern, milled edge machine trial for a Kabul five rupees, 39mms., nd. but c. 1880, obv. H.H. ABDUL RAHMAN, AMEER OF AFGHANISTAN in four lines, with flags of Great Britain and Afghanistan crossed with bow, rev. SIR T. SALTER PYNE C.S.I., MARTIN & CO at base, with B & C monogram in centre. Nearly extremely fine and very rare.

Ex. R.J. ford Collection (Part 2), Spink Coin auctions No.88 1991, (lot 468). This issue follows the Treaty of Gandamak in May 1879, which ceded the Kurrani Valley, Pishin, Sibi and the Khyber Pass to the British. Afghan foreign relations also came under British control. However the murder of the British Resident in Kabul, shortly after the signing of the Treaty, caused renewed hostilities. The British consequently successfully marched on Kandahar and placed Abdul Rahman on the throne, whom the British recognized as Amir in 1880. He soon gained control of other parts of Afghanistan from 1881 moving towards complete independence. Sir [Thomas] Salter Pyne was Chief Engineer to the Government of Afghanistan and introduced into Afghanistan works for the manufacture of rifles, ammunition, swords, coining, soap candles etc. This trial is an interesting numismatic issue, struck it is believed during or very shortly after the joint British control of Afghanistan in 1880. It is very possible that this is the only example available to collectors today of this interesting historical numismatic item.