Lot 370
India, Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh (VS 1858-1896 / 1801-1839 AD), gold Double Mohur
British, Ancient & World Coins - Auction 132 | C26007
Auction: 12 October 2026, 10:30 BST
Description
India, Sikh Empire, Ranjit Singh (VS 1858-1896 / 1801-1839 AD), gold Double Mohur, VS 1884 / 1827 AD, Amritsar, diameter 23mm (without the loop), 25.43g (the only one other known in the British Museum is KM B29, however, this coin is made of different dies, this coin is KM unlisted). Extremely Fine, with a jewellery loop attached, slight tool marks to the edge. Extremely rare and unique, the first one of this kind that we have handled.
Sikh gold coins are exceptionally rare and the Double Mohur denomination is known to us via only a few presentation pieces which are predominantly held in museums. In particular, the British Museum in London holds the Sikh Double Mohurs of years VS 1883 and VS 1884, both of which were made from different dies than this piece and are of larger diameter as presentation pieces. This piece is about 3mm thick and 23mm wide, making it wider than known Sikh single-weight Mohurs, its diameter and dies more alike to the silver Nanakshahi Rupees struck in Amritsar. The heavy gold coins of this type often come with jewellery loops for wear as they have been given as gifts and dowries. This piece in particular is not struck from a specially made presentation flan, therefore, it is not a presentation or Nazarana piece in a classical sense. However, in double weight it would have been made as a special order, as a jewellery piece for a necklace. The XRF test of this coin shows a result of 90% gold purity. Please note that NGC will not grade this item due to the attached loop and PCGS deemed the coin as Authenticity Unverifiable and did not holder it. The item is exceptionally rare and it is very difficult to discern whether it was designed as an official Double Mohur from different dies than the one in the British Museum or rather a contemporary jeweller’s interpretation based on silver Rupee dies, created as a special order. The analysis and majority of the experts we consulted point to the latter. The item is of outmost rarity and certainly unique on the market. Therefore, we recommend viewing this item in person as it will be sold as seen, with regards to all information available to us at this point in time.
