Unearthing the Treasure of Suri Empire Coins

Coins hold stories. They’re tiny time capsules, giving us a glimpse into the past. One of these intriguing tales comes from the Suri Empire, a lesser-known but significant part of Indian history. Let’s journey into the world of Suri Empire coins, exploring their fascinating history, designs, and what makes them unique.

What Were Suri Empire Coins?

The Suri Empire, founded during the 16th century, ruled parts of India, specifically in the northern regions. The Suri rulers, especially Sher Shah Suri, are best known for their administrative reforms and the introduction of the Rupiya, which is the precursor to modern Indian currency. The coins struck during this period not only served as money but also as symbols of power and prestige.

The Design: More Than Just Currency

Have you ever looked closely at a coin? The details can tell you a lot. Suri Empire coins are no exception. Most coins from this era feature intricate designs. On one side, you'll often find the name and title of the ruler in Persian script. On the other side, there's usually a depiction of a mosque or a simple floral motif. It’s like a mini artwork that captures the culture and values of the time.

Historical Significance: A Window Into the Past

Why do we care about these coins? They’re more than just old money. Suri Empire coins serve as vital historical artifacts. They give insight into trade, economy, and the socio-political environment of the 16th century. The Suri rulers standardized the currency, which helped boost trade and commerce. This was an era of change, and these coins reflect that transformation, marking a shift toward a more unified economic system.

Collecting Suri Empire Coins: A Hobby for History Lovers

Imagine holding a piece of history in your hand. Collectors are drawn to Suri Empire coins not just for their monetary value but for the stories they tell. Each coin carries its own tale, a snapshot of the era’s politics, culture, and everyday life. Collecting can be thrilling; it’s like a treasure hunt. Many enthusiasts spend years searching for rare pieces, and when they find them, it's like discovering buried treasure.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Suri Empire coins are more than just currency; they are a link to a vibrant past filled with stories and lessons. Whether you're an avid collector or simply curious about history, these coins offer a unique perspective on the Suri Empire's contributions to Indian culture and economy. Next time you hold a coin from this period, remember—you're not just holding a piece of metal; you're holding a piece of history.

Old Suri Empire Coins for Sale

Sher Shah Suri, who rose from the humble position of a soldier in Bihar to become the virtual ruler of what is now that land and neighboring Bengal, declared himself Shah and styled himself Sultan in 942AH (1535 AD). He ousted Humayun in 1540AD and took the destiny of India in his hands. Sher Shah had already issued silver and copper coins under his own name from several places. When he occupied the throne of Delhi he issued coins in silver and copper and removed the mixed metal (billon) coins from the Indian coinage once and for all. He also did not issue any coins in gold. But some of his coins are known to have been minted in this metal.

Sher Shah's silver coins bear the names of Kalima and the four caliphs — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali on the obverse; and his name Farid-ud-Duniya wa Din Abu al-Muzaffar Sher Shah Sultan, Khald Allah Mulk (May Allah establish his kingdom), with mint-name and date Sri Sersahi (often very wrong) in Nagari characters on the reverse. These legends are variously arranged; they differentiate coins into several categories. They were supplied from Ujjain, Agra, Bandua, Sunar, Ranthambore, Satgaon, Sharibabad, Sherkar Qila, Sherkar alias Kanauj, Sherkar alias Delhi, Sherkar alias Bakkar, Fathabad, Kalpi, Gwalior and Malod. Besides these coins there are some coins which bear the word Jahanbana instead of the mint name and suggest that they were issued from the court or some camp coinage. This practice of issuing coins from royal encampments became popular during the Mughal period. Sher Shah's copper coins were issued from Abu, Agra, Alwar, Awadh, Bayana, Sunar, Hissar, Sambal, Sherkar (Kanauj), Sherkar (Gila), Sherkar (Delhi), Kalpi, Gwalior, Lakhnauti, Malod and Narnol. Besides these, there is a large series of mintless silver and copper coins which, it is suggested, originated as coinage during the early period of his conquests and the strengthening of his rule. But in many cases they were struck after the practice of recording the mint names on the coins was established, so that they may have been issued from mobile camp coins. Most of the copper coins bear fi ahad al-amir al-hami (Commander of the Faithful, Protector of the Religion during the time) and the sultan's name and titles on the obverse and the mint name.

The coinage of his successor Islam Shah (1545-1552AD) followed the style of his father's coinage. In silver, the Bayana, Raisen and Narnol mints are included, while those of UJjain, Panduah, Ranthambhor are included. Fathbad and Malot disappear. The new mints in copper are Badaun, Raisen, Shakar and Sherkar (Kanavj). With the accession of Muhammad Adil Shah (1552-53AD), the four tunes of the Suri were reduced, which is reflected in his coins, which are similar to the earlier ones. Ibrahim (1553AD) and Sikandar Sur (1554) assumed sovereignty over parts of the Delhi kingdom, after they had captured it from Muhammad Adil, and issued silver and copper coins, but these are extremely rare.

Suri silver coins do not correspond to the weight of 170 grains of earlier Delhi Sultans. They weigh near 180 grains and are known by the name of rubia, which is still current in the country. Similarly the copper coins were paisa, but their weights make it difficult to tell what the actual standard weight was. For example, the Narnol mint coins are known to be 328-29 grains and those from Sunar 304 grains. Such heavy coins were not known in the earlier period.