Sale: Triton VII, Lot: 1173. Estimate $600.  Closing Date: Monday, 12 January 2004.  Sold For $500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA, Occupation by the Durannis. Ahmad Shah. 1747-1772 AD. AV Mohur (10.88 gm). Shahjahanabad (Delhi) mint. Struck AH 1174, regnal year 14 (1761 AD). Persian legend in four lines; AH date to left / Persian legend in three lines; regnal year below. KM 766 (Afghanistan); Album 3090 (Rare at all mints). In the style of the nazarana (presentation) mohurs, but on a normal-size flan. EF, slightly warped flan, as made. ($600)

The first ruler of the Durrani dynasty, Ahmad Khan was also the first ruler of an independent Afghanistan. He came from the Sadozai branch of the Abdali tribe and upon coming to power assumed the title Ahmad Shah, Durri Durran (or Pearl of Pearls) and made Kandahar his capital. He attempted to annex Indian territory on several occasions. 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, forcing him to withdraw on 22 March 1761, and never return.