Lot 1915

Description

Jahangir, (A.H. 1014-1037, A.D.1605-1628), Zodical round Gold mohur, (10.85 grams), Virgo, struck in Agra mint, issued A.H. 1033 (A.D. 1623-4), Regnal Year 19, obv. winged maiden with back forwards, head surrounded by solar rays, ear of corn in right hand and head to left, all within dotted circle, rev. Persian legend, 'The face of gold was decorated at Agrah by Jahangir Shah, Shah Akbar [son]', also Regnal Year and hijri date, all within dotted circles, (BMC 341 [same obverse die Plate X], cf.KM. SAC 180.11). Good very fine, extremely rare.

Ex. Sotheby's London Dec. 16, 1970 (lot 125 Illustrated). $$ The Virgo symbol is one of the rarest Zodical signs, appearing only on the gold and this issue known from specimens in the British Museum and Berlin. From 1028-1033 (RY 13-19), Jahangir struck an extensive series of zodiac mohurs. He took a personal interest in his coinage and ordered the production of these zodiac pieces in his 13th year. The traveller Tavernier reports that under Jahangir successor, all these coins were recalled and melted down. Nonetheless, the coins were much loved by the people who would pay as much as twenty times the bullion value for them. Consequently the coins are all rare, the gold particularly, and rarely does it turn up, except in worn condition. The last known example of Virgo appearing in public auction, is believed to be this piece, in 1970, nearly 25 years ago.