IRAN. Afsharid Dynasty. Mohur, AH 1161 (1748). Isfahan Mint. Ibrahim before Enthronement. NGC AU-55.

A-A2759; KM-411. One of the single RAREST Iranian gold issues dating from the time of Ibrahim before he was formally enthroned at the end of AH 1161. While the coin itself is anonymous, bearing the mint and date with the standard Shi'ite kalima on the reverse, its time and place of manufacture, Isfahan, date it to the period where Ibrahim was governor of Isfahan after he had begun an open revolt against his elder brother Adel Shah. This fractious political landscape allowed Ibrahim to be enthroned in December 1748, after his brother was killed by rival tribesmen. Ibrahim himself only ruled for a few months until his defeat to forces aligned with Shahrokh, dying in July 1749. Given the brevity of his rule, almost all gold coins from the reign of Ibrahim are RARE, though those from before his coronation are the most difficult of these. We were only able to trace two further examples of this type trading, both inferior specimens to this piece. This example displays bold shining luster, with only limited instances of actual handling. The date is relatively clear, as is most of the inscription. A piece that appears with the greatest infrequency, and as such, a Mohur worthy of a cherished place in an advanced collection of Islamic or Iranian coinage.

Estimate: $4000.00 - $6000.00