AH 618 (1221 AD) Great Mongols / Malik of Kurzuwan Jital | NGC VF 30 BN – Ex. Robert Tye Pedigree.
Item Overview
An extraordinary, high-grade survivor from one of the most dramatic siege episodes in world history! Struck in the fortified city of Kurzuwan (in modern-day northern Afghanistan) during the summer of 1221 AD (AH 618), this bronze jital was produced while the city was under direct, active siege by the armies of Genghis Khan.
This specimen is further elevated by its prestigious Ex. Robert Tye Collection pedigree notation on the official NGC holder. Robert Tye is the premier world authority on medieval Asian trade coinage and the author of Jitals—the definitive reference catalog for the series.
Specifications & Certification
| Attribute | Details |
| Certification | NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) |
| Grade / Color | VF 30 BN (Very Fine 30, Brown) |
| Pedigree | Ex. Robert Tye Collection (Author of "Jitals") |
| Issuer / City | Great Mongols / Emergency Siege Issue of Kurzuwan |
| Ruler | Anonymous Issue citing Al-Malik ("The Prince") |
| Date | AH 618 / 1221 AD (Month of Rabi II or Jumada I) |
| Denomination | Jital (Bronze / Copper) |
| Catalog Reference | Tye 324 / Album 1971 / Nyamaa 31 |
Design & Inscription Features
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Obverse: Features the central title المٰلك (Al-Malik / "The Prince" or "The Ruler") in sharp Kufic script, encircled by a marginal Arabic inscription giving the precise month and year of the siege (AH 618).
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Reverse: Features four lines of Arabic script containing the city name کرزوان (Kurzuwan) alongside the Kalima (Islamic declaration of faith).
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Condition Notes: Graded VF 30 BN, this coin demonstrates well-above-average detail for a desperate emergency issue, featuring crisp legend fragments, tight centering, and smooth, attractive chocolate-brown surfaces.
Historical Significance & Provenance
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Minted Under Siege by Genghis Khan: Issued over a window of just a few weeks in June/July 1221 AD as the Mongol hordes encircled Kurzuwan. The local governor struck these emergency bronze pieces to pay soldiers and keep the fortress economy functioning before the city ultimately fell and was destroyed.
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Rare Medieval Emergency Currency: Genuine siege coinage from the medieval Islamic world is exceptionally scarce, making this one of the few tangible relics directly tied to Genghis Khan's conquest of the Khwarazmian Empire.
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The Robert Tye Pedigree: Having passed through the personal cabinet of Robert Tye provides absolute authority on authenticity and attribution, adding major historical value for ancient, medieval, and Islamic collectors.
