Iran AH 1123 2 abbasi

Sincona sale 88, lot 12

This specimen was lot 12 in Sincona sale 88 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 500 CHF (about US$661 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"IRAN, Safavid Dynasty, Soltan Hosayn, 1105-1135 AH (1694-1722). 2 Abbasi 1123 AH (1711), Isfahan Mint. Presentation type. Sehr selten, Gutes sehr schön, Fassungsspuren auf Avers; Very rare, Good very fine, Traces of jewelry on obverse. Purchased from M. Saffar, London, in 1998. Some examples of this type weigh in the range of 8.5 grams and appear to be a somewhat reduced weight 5 shahi coin. In any case, many donative issues do not adhere accurately to the weight standard for circulating coins."

Soltan Hoseyn, a weak and dissolute ruler installed by the eunuchs and the harem, allowed his realm to disintegrate while he drank and debauched himself. No other mint seems to have struck this type, which was not intended for circulation.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 17.38 g, silver, this specimen 13.00 g.

Catalog reference: Album B2677 (note), KM 270 (as 2 1/2 Shahi).

Source:

• Album, Stephen, Checklist of Islamic Coins, 3rd Ed. Santa Rosa, Stephen Album Rare Coins, 2011.
• Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 88, The Kian Collection - Part II, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

• AH 1117 ashrafi, Isfahan mint
• AH 1120 falus, Isfahan mint
• AH 1123 abbasi, Isfahan mint
• AH 1123 5 shahi, Yerevan mint
• AH 1126 ashrafi, Isfahan mint
• Coins and currency dated 1711