Mughal Empire (1624-27) 1/4 rupee KM-A167.1
This specimen was lot 42447 in Stack's Bowers Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction (Pittsburgh, September 2026), where it sold for $34,160. The catalog description[1] noted,
"First Offering of this 1/4 Rupee Type at Public Auction! INDIA. Mughal Empire. 1/4 Rupee, ND (AH 1033-37 [1623-28]). Surat Mint. In the name of Nur Jahan and Jahangir. NGC AU-58. "Sad Zewar" poetic couplet. The silver Quarter Rupee of Nur Jahan from the Surat mint is an extraordinary numismatic RARITY, remaining unrecorded in the standard South Asian catalogues, where it is often only tentatively referenced under a Krause-Mishler (KM) number without a documented specimen. The present coin is believed to be the first example ever offered at public auction, making it a landmark offering of exceptional importance. Its RARITY is matched by its remarkable preservation, having been certified AU-58 by NGC, an outstanding grade for a denomination that is virtually unobtainable. Combining absolute rarity, historical significance, and superior state of preservation, this unique Quarter Rupee stands as one of the most desirable issues of Nur Jahan's coinage and represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the serious collector of Mughal numismatics. More than merely a coin, it is a remarkable survivor of one of the most fascinating chapters in Mughal history and a true museum-worthy treasure."
Surat struck very rare type which mentions Jahangir's queen, Nur Jahan. It is known for year 23.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.86 g, silver.
Catalog reference: KM-A167.1 (unlisted date); cf. Liddle-S-159 (Patna Mint).
- Album, Stephen. Checklist of Islamic Coins. Santa Rosa, 1998. Stephen Album.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, Summer 2026 Global Showcase Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2026.
Link to:
- AH 1033 rupee, Surat mint, citing Nur Jahan
- AH 1034/19 half rupee, Surat mint, citing Nur Jahan
- AH 1034/19 rupee, Surat mint, citing Nur Jahan
- AH 1034/19 rupee, Patna mint
- AH 1034/20 half rupee, Surat mint, citing Nur Jahan
- AH 1034/20 rupee, Patna mint
- AH 1034/20 rupee, Kabul mint
- AH 1035/20 half rupee, Surat mint, citing Nur Jahan
- AH 1036/21 half rupee, Surat mint, citing Nur Jahan
- Coins and currency dated 1624