Islam Shah Suri – Sur Empire (Delhi Sultanate) Copper Paisa

Sur Empire, Delhi Sultanate, Islam Shah Suri, (AH 952–960, 1545–1552 CE), Denomination: 1 Paisa/1 Dam, Composition: Copper, Weight: 20.25 grams, Diameter: 22 mm, Mintless type, Date: AH 955 (1548 CE), Reference: ICM  #2412, Very Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Features the coin’s inscribed design in traditional Islamic calligraphy, characteristic of the copper Paisa coinage issued during Islam Shah Suri’s reign.

Reverse: Displays the accompanying inscription and design elements associated, reflecting the monetary style of the Sur dynasty.

Islam Shah Suri, born Jalal Khan, was the son of Sher Shah Suri and ruled the Sur Empire from 1545 to 1554 CE. He succeeded his father after Sher Shah’s death and worked to preserve the administrative and military system established by him. His reign was marked by internal conflicts with Afghan nobles and challenges to central authority. Islam Shah maintained the empire’s administrative structure, including its revenue arrangements and road network. His rule extended the Sur dynasty’s control across significant parts of northern India, although factional struggles weakened the dynasty and eventually contributed to the restoration of Mughal power under Humayun.

Coinage Note: This very scarce copper Paisa was issued under Islam Shah Suri with the specimen dated AH 955 (1548 CE). Weighing 20.25 grams, it represents the substantial copper currency used for everyday commercial transactions during the Sur period. Catalogued as ICM  #2412, this issue is a notable example of the monetary system maintained after Sher Shah Suri’s reforms and is of interest to collectors of medieval Indian coinage and the Sur dynasty.