Mughal Machhlipatan Mint Muhammad Shah Copper 1/2 Dam Coin Tughra Style

Mughal Empire, Muhammad Shah, AH 1131-1161 / 1719-1748 CE, Denomination: AE ½ Dam, Composition: Copper, Tughra Style, Obv: mubarak julus sana 1134, Rev: zarb machhlipatnam,Weight: 6.77 grams, Diameter: 17.23 mm, Machhlipatan Bandar mint, AH 1134, Reference: KM# 430.5, About Very Fine, Rare.

Muhammad Shah ruled during a phase when the Mughal Empire was still symbolically powerful but politically weakened. Although imperial authority continued in name, real control increasingly shifted to provincial governors and regional powers. Muhammad Shah’s reign is remembered for cultural refinement and courtly life, yet it also witnessed the steady decline of centralized Mughal administration. Despite this weakening, Mughal coinage continued to be issued across vast regions of the subcontinent, reflecting the enduring legitimacy of the emperor.

Machhlipatan Bandar (present-day Machilipatnam) was one of the most important ports on the Coromandel Coast in the early 18th century. During this period, the port was nominally under Mughal authority through the Subah of the Deccan, though actual control lay with local governors and later under the influence of Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah. Machhlipatan was internationally famous for its export of fine cotton textiles, chintz, and muslin, making it a major hub of Indian Ocean trade. The English East India Company and the French East India Company both maintained trading establishments here, while Dutch merchants had also been active earlier. This port became a focal point of European commercial rivalry in South india.

This copper 1/2 Dam of Machhlipatan Bandar mint is a highly desirable Mughal coastal issue. Half dam denominations from South India are extremely scarce, and tughra-style copper pieces are rarely encountered. Its survival confirms limited local circulation and makes it a significant rarity for advanced Mughal collectors.