Afghanistan SH1312 1/2 afghani KM-926

Stack's Bowers February 2024 Collector's Choice sale, lot 74128

This specimen was lot 74128 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2024), where it sold for $264. The catalog description^[1] noted, "AFGHANISTAN. 1/2 Afghani (50 Pul), SH 1312 (1933). Mohammed Nadir Shah. PCGS MS-65. A stunning Gem mint state example, delivering exceptional luster and unending frosty eye appeal." This type was struck SH 1310-1312. The Solar Hegira calendar (SH) marks the date of Mohammed's flight as its beginning but otherwise uses a conventional solar calendar, thereby avoiding the inconveniences of the traditional AH calendar with its constantly shifting months. This date comes with a small (KM 926) or large circle (KM 932.1) of pearls on the obverse. Both have a modest catalog value.

Recorded mintage: 10,000.

Specification: 4.75 g, 0.900 fine silver, 24 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM-926.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.

Link to:

• AH 1350(3) (1931) 20 afghanis
• SH 1311 (1932) 2 pul
• SH 1311 (1932) afghani
• SH1312 half afghani, large and small circle of pearls
• SH1313 (1934) 1/2 afghani
• SH1313 tilla
• Coins and currency dated 1933