Awadh State Wajid Ali Shah Copper 1 Falus Bait-us-Sultanate Lakhnau Mulk Awadh Akhtarnagar Mint

Awadh State, Wajid Ali Shah, (AH 1263-1272/1847-1856 CE), Composition: Copper, Denomination: 1 Falus, Bait-us-Sultanate Lakhnau Mulk Awadh Akhtarnagar Mint, Weight: 11.69 grams, Diameter: 19 mm, Obv: Parasol above crown, flanked by mermaids holding flag, crossed swords below, Rev: Wajid Ali Shah واجد علی شاہ, References KM# 351.3, About very fine+scarce

Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh (1847–1856 CE), was a patron of art, culture, and architecture. He enriched Lucknow with gardens, palaces, and the famous Qaiserbagh complex, which reflected his refined taste and grandeur. A great lover of poetry, dance, and music, he elevated Kathak to new heights and wrote extensively under his pen name “Akhtar.” Despite facing political challenges, he preserved the cultural identity of Awadh and is remembered as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. His coinage, featuring unique motifs like parasols, crowns, mermaids, and swords, reflects both royal authority and his creative vision.