★ Sharply struck and fresh ★

INDIA, Princely States. Kutch. 25 Kori (Gold, 15 mm, 4.50 g, 7 h), Bhuj, Desalji II (VS 1875-1917 / AD 1818-1860), VS 1914 = AD 1857. ‘Pādshāh-i ghāzi / Bahādur Shāh / zarb-i Bhuj’ (‘The holy warrior king, Bahadur Shah. Struck in Bhuj’ in Persian). Rev. The ruler’s name and date between a trishula (trident) and katar (push dagger), ‘Rāo Śrī / Deśaljī / 1914’ (in Nagari script). C# 67. In NGC encapsulation, graded MS 63. This is the highest graded example out of seven graded. Good extremely fine.

From the Asha & Ardeshir Dabestani Collection, ex Album 19, 15 May 2014, 1359.