India – Gujarat Sultanate (AD 1537–1554)
Silver Tanka
G-418 – Ex. Robert Tye Collection
A fine silver Tanka from the Gujarat Sultanate, issued during the mid-16th century, a period when Gujarat was one of the wealthiest and most commercially active regions of India. The Sultanate controlled important trading ports and maintained a prosperous economy supported by extensive trade networks connecting India with the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
This coin belongs to the later Gujarat Sultanate series, struck during the reign of Sultan Mahmud III (AD 1537–1554), whose rule came during a turbulent period marked by internal political struggles and increasing pressure from neighboring powers. Despite these challenges, Gujarat continued to produce attractive and well-executed silver coinage that followed established Islamic monetary traditions.
The silver Tanka features elegant Arabic inscriptions typical of Gujarat Sultanate coinage, including the ruler's titles and religious formulas, reflecting the artistic and cultural influences of medieval Islamic India. These coins are valued by collectors for their historical connection to one of India's most important pre-Mughal sultanates and for their distinctive calligraphic designs.
This example is cataloged as G-418 and comes ex. Robert Tye Collection, adding desirable provenance from the respected numismatist and collector known for his extensive work with Asian coinage.
Region: Gujarat, India
Dynasty: Gujarat Sultanate
Ruler: Mahmud III (AD 1537–1554)
Denomination: Silver Tanka
Reference: G-418
Metal: Silver
Weight: 7.50 grams
Dimensions: 16.33 × 16.11 mm
Provenance: Ex. Robert Tye Collection
A historically significant medieval Indian silver coin representing the rich commercial and cultural heritage of the Gujarat Sultanate.
