Mughal Empire square silver rupee of Muhammad Akbar, 1584
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1584
This square silver rupee was issued during the reign of Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, known as Akbar the Great, of the Mughal Empire. Distinguishing itself from the more common round coinage of the era, the square format was adopted by Akbar to provide an expanded canvas for sophisticated calligraphic inscriptions.
The coin is struck in silver and features complex Naskh calligraphy, reflecting the aesthetic values of Islamic art and the emperor's interest in geometric order. The obverse depicts the Kalimah Tayyibah, the Islamic declaration of faith: "There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.The reverse includes the date 993 Hijri, corresponding to 1584 AD. Measuring 17 mm in diameter and weighing 11.3 grams, this piece serves as a noteworthy example of Mughal numismatics, demonstrating both the craftsmanship and the shifting religious ideologies of the period.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Shape
- square
- Weight
- 11.3 g
- Diameter
- 17 mm
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Denomination
- rupee
Design
- Obverse
- Kalimah Tayyibah (La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah)
- Reverse
- 993 Hijri date and further illegible inscription
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
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- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
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Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.