Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 2435. Estimate $600.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2002.  Sold For $525. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA, Afghan conquest by the Durannis. Ahmad Shah. 1747-1772 AD. AV Mohur (10.81 gm). Shahjahanabad (Delhi) mint. Struck AH (117)4/1761 AD. Islamic legends in four lines / Islamic legends in three lines. KM 766; Album 3090 (Rare at all mints). EF, flan somewhat bent. Very rare. The finest style for the series. ($600)

The first ruler of the Durrani Dynasty, Ahmad Khan the Afghan, was the first ruler of an independent Afghanistan. He came from the Sadozai branch of the Abdali tribe. He assumed the title Ahmad Shah, Durri Durran (or Pearl of Pearls) and made Kandahar his capital. He was a great conqueror and invaded the Punjab multiple times. Ahmad Shad also conquered Delhi twice. This coin was issued during the second occupation of Delhi, after the decisive defeat of the Marathras at Panipat on January 7, 1761. Ahmad Shah's Afghan troops reoccupied Delhi and then mutinied while there. He had to withdraw to Afghanistan as a result. Delhi was abandoned on March 22, 1761 and Ahmad Shah never returned.