Sher Shah Suri Delhi Sultan Sur Empire Copper Paisa Coin of Alwar Mint

Sur Empire, Farid al-Din Sher Shah Suri, (AH 945–952 / 1539–1545 CE), Denomination: 1 Paisa, Composition: Copper, Alwar mint, Weight: 19.92 grams, Diameter: 23 mm, Reference: G&G# D843, About Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Arabic legend bearing the royal name and titles of Sher Shah Suri.

Reverse: Arabic inscription with mint name Alwar and Hijri date.

Sher Shah Suri was the founder of the Sur Empire and ruled northern India between 1539 and 1545 CE after defeating the Mughal emperor Humayun. Originally named Farid Khan, he rose through military and administrative service before establishing an independent empire centered in northern India. Sher Shah is widely remembered for his administrative brilliance, including reforms in revenue collection, road construction, and the organization of the postal system. His reign, though brief, laid important foundations later adopted by the Mughal administration.

One of his most significant contributions was the reform of the Indian monetary system. Sher Shah introduced a standardized tri-metallic currency system consisting of gold mohur, silver rupiya, and copper paisa coins. The silver rupiya of about 11.4 grams later became the basis of the modern rupee, a currency name that continues in South Asia today.

Copper paisa coins such as this example struck at Alwar mint circulated widely for everyday transactions across the Sur Empire. Their large copper fabric and bold Arabic inscriptions reflect the monetary reforms and expanding economic activity during Sher Shah Suri’s rule, making them historically important issues from the mid-16th century Indo-Islamic coinage tradition.