Ulugh Beg Silver Tanka

Historical context — Timurid & Safavid

Timurid rulers struck shahrukhi silver coins, Safavid shahs introduced the abbasi and shahi denominations with exquisite Nastaliq calligraphy and Shia inscriptions.

Frequently asked

What is the Ulugh Beg Silver Tanka?

Ulugh Beg — astronomer-king and grandson of Timur — issued tankas continuing the high silver standard of his father Shah Rukh's shahrukhi. It was struck in AH 850–853 / 1447–1449 CE at Herat under Ulugh Beg.

What metal and weight is it?

Silver, weighing approximately ~5.53 g.

What designs appear on it?

Obverse: Shia kalima and Twelve Imams in central panel. Reverse: Ruler's titles in marginal segments, Herat mint and AH 852.

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