Muhammad Adil Shah Suri – Sur Empire Shahgarh Mint 1552-1556 AD Copper 1 Paisa

Sur Empire, (Delhi Sultanate), Muhammad Adil Shah Suri (AH 960–964 / 1552–1556 CE), Denomination: Paisa (1 Dam), Metal: Copper, Weight: 20 grams, Diameter: 22.15 mm, Mint: Shahgarh, References: G&G D1116, Grade: Very Fine, Rare.

Obverse: Persian legend “Abu’l Muzaffar bi-Ta’yid al-Rahman Muhammad Shah Adil Sultan”, with a large dotted cross mint mark prominently placed between “Muhammad” and “Shah”, executed in bold Suri calligraphy.

Reverse: Persian legend “Fi Ahd al-Amir al-Hami al-Din al-Dayyan”, arranged in elegant calligraphic style, proclaiming the ruler as the protector of the faith and justice.

Issued during the brief reign of Muhammad Adil Shah Suri, this copper Paisa belongs to the final phase of the Sur Empire, which ruled northern India after Sher Shah Suri. Struck at the Shahgarh Mint, the coin bears the ruler’s full royal titulature on the obverse, distinguished by the characteristic large dotted cross mint mark, an important identifying feature of this variety. The reverse carries a religious honorific emphasizing the Sultan’s role as the defender of Islam and justice. Its bold Persian inscriptions and distinctive mint mark make this issue an important example of late Sur dynasty coinage.

Coinage Note: The Muhammad Adil Shah Suri Copper Paisa of Shahgarh Mint is a scarce and historically significant issue of the Sur dynasty. Its distinctive dotted cross mint mark, impressive Persian calligraphy, and short period of issue make it a highly collectible coin among enthusiasts of Delhi Sultanate and Sur Empire numismatics.