Muhammad Shah Mughal Empire Gwalior Mint Silver Rupee Extra Fine High Grade Coin

Mughal Empire, Muhammad Shah (AH 1131–1161, 1719–1748 CE), Denomination: AR Rupee, Composition: Silver, Weight: 11.35 grams, Diameter: 24.41 mm, Gwalior Mint (fully visible at bottom on rev), AH 113(4), RY 3, KM # 436.25, about very fine, scarce.

Muhammad Shah ruled the Mughal Empire during a period of sharp political decline and cultural refinement. Ascending the throne in AH 1131 / 1719 CE, his long reign witnessed weakening central authority, rising influence of nobles, and increasing pressure from regional powers like the Marathas. Despite political instability, Muhammad Shah—popularly known as Rangeela—was a great patron of art, music, poetry, and architecture, making his court a center of Indo-Persian culture. Gwalior held strategic importance under Muhammad Shah due to its strong fort and position on major trade and military routes of Central India. The Mughal control over Gwalior symbolized imperial authority in the region, though it often remained contested by local chiefs and Maratha forces. Coins struck at the Gwalior mint, especially with clear mint names, reflect the Mughal effort to assert sovereignty and administrative continuity during an era of fragmentation.

Muhammad Shah’s coinage reflects late Mughal decline, marked by reduced silver purity in some issues, increased regional mint autonomy, and declining strike quality. Despite this, rupees remained stylistically elegant and symbolized continued imperial legitimacy across fragmented territories.