Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1617. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

INDIA, Islamic Sultanates. Bengal. Jalal al-Din Muhammad. Second reign, 1418-1433. AR Tanka (10.68 gm, 12h). Unknown mint. Struck 1423-24 AD(?). Persian legend with Muhammad's titles; border of dotted chevrons / Bengal lion within polylobe; short inscription. CIS B342; Rajgor 283; Mitchiner, Land of Water -; MWI -. Good VF, several punch marks around the border. Rare. ($1000)

This figural type, with its representation of a Bengal lion, is unique in the sultanate series. The type is also known in double tanka and ten tanka denominations, and must commemorate an event of some significance. There exists a rare variety with a purported legend reading "year 8 (of Muhammad)", which type may refer to the full restoration of Bengal autonomy, when Ibrahim Shah withdrew his army in 1423-24. This would be the eighth year of Muhammad's reign, counting from his brief first reign in 1415-16. Even though Raja Ganesa had been overthrown and killed, his son still refered to him on his coins, calling himself "son of the founder, Ganesa".