Note: A rare and important gold Apranji Fanam, attributed to the Gurramkonda mint and issued under Haidar Ali in the name of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II.

In 1767, the Marathas handed over Gurramkonda to Mir Reza Ali, Haidar Ali’s estranged brother-in-law, in a bid to gain his support against Haidar. However, Mir Reza soon surrendered the fort to Haidar Ali. In 1772, Haidar returned it to the Marathas, but in 1778, Tipu Sultan captured it for Mysore, one of his earliest military victories.

Though undated, the presence of Shah Alam II’s name points to Mysorean authority, as Maratha coinage in this region usually invoked Shah Gauhar. Tipu later renamed the fort Zafarabad, from where he issued his copper elephant coins.

Gold coins from Gurramkonda are practically unknown, making this example likely the first of its kind to appear in a public auction. Its blend of Mysorean origin, Mughal titulature, and Extreme Rarity makes it a standout piece for collectors of Mysore coinage.

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