Jalal ud-Din Muhammad Akbar – Mughal Empire – Copper Dam Coin Dar Khilafa Lakhnau Mint

Jalal ud-Din Muhammad Akbar, Mughal Empire (AH 963-1014, 1556-1605 AD), Composition: Copper, Denomination: Dam, Weight 20.46 grm, Diameter 21.86 mm, Dar Khilafa Lakhnau Mint, AH 985, References: It is listed in the ICM Coins Database under serial number MUG-00020.

KM# 28.37, about very fine, very scarce.

Obverse: Persian legend inscribed with the royal title and Hijri year in elegant calligraphy.

Reverse: Persian inscription reading “Falus Zarb Dar-ul-Khilafa Lakhnau”, indicating minting at the imperial capital of Lucknow.

Emperor Jalal ud-Din Muhammad Akbar (reigned 1556–1605 AD) was one of the greatest rulers of the Mughal Empire. Known for his military brilliance and administrative reforms, he expanded the empire across most of India by defeating powerful Rajput rulers like Rana Pratap of Mewar. Akbar promoted religious harmony through his policy of Sulh-e-Kul and introduced a new spiritual doctrine known as Dīn-i-Ilāhī. He founded the magnificent city of Fatehpur Sikri as his capital and maintained close administrative ties with Lucknow, a key provincial center.

Under his rule, the Mughal coinage system reached new heights of uniformity and artistry. Akbar issued coins in gold, silver, and copper, including this copper dam struck at Dar-ul-Khilafa Lakhnau in AH 985 (1577 AD), reflecting both the political strength and refined aesthetics of his prosperous reign.