Farid Al-Din Sher Shah Suri Silver Rupee Suri Dynasty of Delhi Sultanate 1540-1545 CE

Farid Al-Din Sher Shah Suri, Sur Empire of Delhi Sultanate, AH 946-952 / 1540-1545 CE, Denomination: Rupee, Composition: Silver, 949 AH, Obv: kalima shahada, Rev: ruler’s name and titles, 11.29 grams, Diameter: 27.24mm, about very fine + with some test marks, Very Scarce,

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 rose to power after decisively defeating the Mughal emperor Humayun at the Battle of Kannauj (Bilgram) in 1540 CE, which enabled him to seize control of Delhi and establish Sur rule. Prior to becoming Sultan, Sher Shah had served as a competent military commander and administrator under regional Afghan rulers in Bihar and Bengal.

At its height, his empire extended from Bengal in the east to the Indus region in the west, covering most of North India. Earlier, in 1539 CE, he had also defeated Humayun at the Battle of Chausa. Sher Shah is widely remembered not only for his military achievements but also for his visionary administration — he strengthened the Grand Trunk Road, built caravanserais (rest houses), improved communication systems, and reinforced key forts across his realm.

Sher Shah Suri was the son of Hasan Khan Sur and the father of Islam Shah Suri. He was born in 1486 CE and died in 1545 CE due to a gunpowder explosion during the siege of Kalinjar Fort. His magnificent tomb stands today at Sasaram, Bihar, as a lasting testament to his legacy.

In the field of coinage, Sher Shah introduced major monetary reforms. He issued coins in gold, silver, and copper, but his most significant contribution was the standardized silver Rupiya. His 949 AH silver rupee — weighing 11.29 g and measuring 27.24 mm, like the specimen in your collection — represents the mature Sur imperial monetary system. This silver standard later became the foundation of Mughal currency and continued to influence Indian coinage well into the British period.