AH 618 (1221 AD) Great Mongols / Malik of Kurzuwan Jital | NGC XF 40 BN – Ex. Robert Tye Pedigree.

Item Overview

An extraordinary, Extremely Fine survivor from one of the most famous siege issues in medieval history! Minted in the fortress city of Kurzuwan (modern-day northern Afghanistan) during the summer of 1221 AD (AH 618), this emergency bronze jital was struck while the city was under active siege by the armies of Genghis Khan.

Graded XF 40 BN by NGC, this coin ranks in the top tier of all certified examples, boasting bold, well-defined Kufic calligraphy that is rarely seen on emergency issues of this era. It is further distinguished by its Ex. Robert Tye Collection pedigree noted directly on the NGC holder—tracing its origin to the cabinet of the world's leading authority on medieval jital coinage.

Specifications & Certification

Design & Diagnostic Features

• Obverse: Stamped with the central royal title المٰلك (Al-Malik / "The Ruler") in crisp Kufic script, encircled by a clear marginal Arabic inscription dating the strike to the siege of AH 618.

• Reverse: Features four sharp lines of Arabic text displaying the mint location کرزوان (Kurzuwan) at top, alongside the Kalima (the Islamic profession of faith).

• High-Grade Condition: At XF 40, this piece exhibits exceptional relief on the central calligraphic strokes, with minimal high-point rub and rich, dark chocolate-brown surfaces—a remarkable state of preservation for a rushed emergency currency.

Historical Significance & Provenance

• Struck Under Siege by Genghis Khan: Issued over a span of just a few weeks in June/July 1221 AD as Mongol forces surrounded Kurzuwan. The local governor minted these pieces to maintain the fortress economy and pay defenders before the city ultimately fell and was leveled.

• Rare Medieval Emergency Currency: Authentic 13th-century Islamic siege coins are exceptionally scarce, providing a direct, physical link to the destructive Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire.

• The Robert Tye Pedigree: Originating directly from the personal collection of Robert Tye—author of Jitals (1995)—this coin carries unquestioned authenticity and premier historical provenance.