Kingdom of Mysore Haider Ali Copper 1 Paisa Haidarnagar Mint Extremely Rare Coin

Kingdom of Mysore, Haider Ali, AH 1174–1197 / 1761–1782 CE, Denomination: 1 Paisa, Metal: Copper, Mint: Haidarnagar (formerly Bednur), Weight: 12.92 grams, Diameter: 20 mm, Grade: Fine + Natural patina, Extremely Rare & Unlisted.

Obverse: “Sana Mubarak Shah Alam II” invoking the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II, reflecting Mysore’s formal recognition of Mughal sovereignty.

Reverse: “Zarb Haidarnagar” meaning “Struck at Haidarnagar (Bednur).”

Haider Ali rose from humble origins to become the de facto ruler of Mysore, transforming it into a powerful military state in 18th-century South India. A brilliant strategist, he modernized his army, built artillery capabilities, and successfully resisted both the Marathas and the British East India Company. His reign marked a turning point in Mysore’s political and military history, laying the foundation for his son Tipu Sultan’s later resistance against colonial expansion.

Haidarnagar (formerly Bednur or Bidnur) was an important administrative and minting center in Mysore. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, it was strategically secure, economically prosperous, and rich in iron resources—crucial for arms and coin production. During Haider Ali’s rule, Haidarnagar served as both a military base and a key mint for copper coinage.

Copper paisa of Haider Ali from the Haidarnagar mint are among the rarest issues of the Mysore Kingdom. making this series short-lived and difficult to obtain. These coins were struck during a period of rapid political change, when Mysore was asserting its independence while still nominally acknowledging Mughal authority through Shah Alam II’s name on the obverse. Because of limited mint output, regional circulation, and later melting of copper, very few examples have survived. Many are absent from standard catalogues, which makes well-preserved pieces like this highly significant for numismatists. This coin is not merely currency—it is a tangible relic from the formative years of Haider Ali’s rise to power and the early resistance against British expansion in South India.