Lot 1899

Description

Sulayman Mirza, (A.H. 936-992, A.D.1529-1584), Gold quarter ashrafi, (0.90 grams), struck in Badakhshan Province, issued A.H. 987-992, no hirji or Regnal Year, no mint signature, obv. Kalima, rev. name with title 'Khadim al-Haramayn al-Sharifayn', (BMC VIII, 210, Lowick No.10-11 [Num. Chron. 1965] and No.6 [Num. Chron. 1972], cf.Senior list 2, No.582). Slightly bent on edge, edge chips, otherwise nearly very fine, rare.

Ex. Glendining's London auction sale, Dec. 8, 1982 (lot 187 part). $$ Sulayman Mirza was born in A.H. 920, was sent by Babur in 936-7 (1529-1530) to govern Badakshan with was lost in 948 to Kamran, again the Governor from 952-972 and 987-992. It was in this last period that Lowick claims this coin was issued. The title which translates 'servant of the Two Noble Precincts' i.e., Mecca and Medina, was adopted by Sulayman at the time of his intended but never fulfilled pilgrimage to Mecca.