A Rare Mongol-Era Jital of Kurzuwan — AH 618 (1221)
A remarkably rare and historically important Mongols Anonymous Type Jital, dated AH 618 (1221) and citing Malik of Kurzuwan.
Graded AU 50 BN by NGC, this exceptional specimen is especially notable for its rarity in certified grades. NGC records only two examples in AU 50 BN, with none graded higher, making this coin a Top Pop specimen.
The coin is accompanied by an impressive pedigree, having previously belonged to the renowned numismatic collection of Robert Tye, adding further desirability and provenance to an already scarce historical issue.
The Mongol Conquest and the Siege of Kurzuwan
This jital was struck during one of the most dramatic and transformative periods in the history of the medieval Islamic world.
In AH 618 (1221), the Mongol armies of Genghis Khan were advancing through Khurasan following the destruction of the Khwarazmian Empire. Cities and fortified settlements across the region faced the rapidly expanding Mongol forces, bringing warfare, political upheaval, and profound changes to the local monetary system.
Kurzuwan (Kurzuwān) was among the important settlements caught within this great Mongol advance. The appearance of Malik of Kurzuwan on this coin provides a remarkable numismatic connection to the local political authority during this turbulent period. Rather than merely being a piece of currency, the jital preserves the name of a local ruler at a moment when established political structures were being overwhelmed by the Mongol conquest.
The year AH 618 (1221) is particularly significant. It falls directly within the first great Mongol invasion of the Islamic East, when the armies of Genghis Khan were campaigning across Khurasan and neighboring territories. The resulting destruction and political transformation marked the end of an era and the beginning of Mongol rule over vast portions of Central Asia and Iran.
For collectors of Mongol, Islamic, and medieval Central Asian coinage, this makes the piece especially fascinating: it is a tangible survivor from the very moment when the political landscape of the region was being dramatically reshaped.
An Exceptional Certified Rarity
The combination of date, historical context, rarity, and provenance makes this an unusually desirable specimen.
- Date: AH 618 (1221)
- Dynasty/Period: Mongols
- Type: Anonymous Type, citing Malik of Kurzuwan
- Denomination: Jital
- Grade: NGC AU 50 BN
- NGC Population at AU 50 BN: 2
- Higher Grades: 0
- Designation: Top Pop
- Pedigree: Ex. Robert Tye
- NGC Label: Standard Brown
With only two examples recorded by NGC in AU 50 BN and none finer, this specimen represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly elusive coin from the opening chapter of Mongol rule.
Its Robert Tye pedigree, outstanding AU 50 BN grade, and direct association with the events surrounding the Mongol conquest of Khurasan in AH 618 (1221) give this jital an extraordinary combination of numismatic rarity and historical importance.
A rare survivor from one of the most consequential military and political transformations of the medieval world.
