Note: Top-pop, highest graded known coin for the type.
This unique gold Mohur belongs to the distinctive Mudra coinage of Tukoji Rao II Holkar, dated Saka 1780 (1858 AD). While the corresponding silver issue is listed in the standard references as KM #17, no gold example of the type is recorded in any major reference consulted by the cataloguer. Struck from dies intended for the silver Mudra series, the present specimen represents an unpublished and previously unrecorded presentation issue of considerable importance to the coinage of the Holkar State.

This specimen belongs to the final years of Tukoji Rao II's reign, a period during which the state of Indore was facing increasing pressure from the British authorities to discontinue its traditional hand-struck coinage. In response, a number of experiments were undertaken in an attempt to develop a stable and acceptable currency for the state. The Mudra series formed part of these efforts and is known in copper and silver, with a small number of gold Mudras also recorded. The present specimen, however, represents the only known gold example of this particular type.

Furthermore, the year Saka 1780 (1858 AD) is historically significant as it followed immediately after the Revolt of 1857, one of the defining events of nineteenth-century India. The same year witnessed the transfer of authority from the East India Company to the British Crown, ushering in a new phase in the administration of the Indian princely states.

The obverse of this remarkable Mudra bears a radiate sunburst encircled by the legend Sri Shankaranucharya Ahilya Jayati, while the reverse carries the denomination Mudra together with the inscription Holakaravatur Kaushakapura Sha1780. The invocation of Ahilyabai Holkar is of exceptional historical and numismatic significance. Revered for her extensive patronage of temples, pilgrim centers, and civic works across India, Ahilyabai's name became synonymous with the prosperity, piety, and prestige of the Holkar State. The continued appearance of her name on this issue, more than six decades after her death, reflects the extraordinary reverence accorded to her memory and the enduring power of her legacy.

References glorifying a female ruler on coinage are exceedingly rare in Indian numismatics, making this issue particularly extraordinary. The laudatory epithet bestowed upon Ahilyabai elevates the coin beyond its monetary purpose, transforming it into a lasting tribute to one of India's most celebrated queens. As such, it represents a rare and important instance in which a woman is prominently commemorated and exalted within the legends of an Indian coin.

This Mohur represents the only known gold example of this type and ranks amongst the most desirable issues of the Holkar State.

Being Offered for the First Time in any Indian Auction!

Copper One Twelfth Anna Coin of Victoria Empress of Cal ...

Rare NGC MS 64 BN Graded Copper One Twelfth Anna Coin o ...

Silver One Rupee Coin of Victoria Empress of Bombay Min ...

Bronze One Quarter Anna Coin of King Edward VII of Calc ...