Delhi Sultan, Dynasty: Sur Empire, Farid al-Din Sher Shah Suri, AH 946–952 / 1540–1545 CE, Denomination: Paisa (Dam), Composition: Copper, Weight: approx. 20.5 grams, Diameter: approx. 22 mm, Chunar mint, Reference: GG #D851, about very fine, rare.

Obverse: Persian script bearing the royal titles of Sher Shah Suri, struck in bold and confident calligraphy typical of early Sur coinage.

Reverse: The name “Sher Shah” prominently written in Persian, often accompanied by mint details such as “Zarb Chunar”.

Sher Shah Suri (Farid al-Din Khan) was the founder and ruler of the Sur Empire, reigning from AH 946–952 (1540–1545 CE). He became Sultan after defeating the Mughal emperor Humayun at the decisive Battle of Kannauj (1540 CE), also known as the Battle of Bilgram. Before becoming Sultan, Sher Shah served as an able military commander and administrator under regional Afghan rulers in Bihar and Bengal.

His empire stretched from Bengal in the east to the Indus region in the west, covering most of North India. He fought several important campaigns, including the Battle of Chausa (1539 CE) against Humayun. Sher Shah constructed roads, caravanserais, and strengthened forts, notably Chunar Fort, an important strategic and mint center.

He was the son of Hasan Khan Sur and father of Islam Shah Suri. Born in 1486 CE, Sher Shah died in 1545 CE due to a gunpowder accident at Kalinjar. His grand tomb stands at Sasaram, Bihar. He introduced gold, silver, and copper coinage and was the first to formally standardize the silver Rupiya, influencing later Mughal currency.

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