
Afghanistan Falus? Help with ID, Please!
Hello all! I recently returned home after an extended period of work overseas (Darn Covid). Thankful to be home for the Holidays, I was also excited to get in a few trades, as I have decided to begin a major numismatic undertaking! World sets for each of my grandchildren, sons, & my birth years! A collecting bucket list of bucket lists! Something I will probably not complete, but that will hopefully give a piece of my love, for them and of collecting, to my progeny. One requester of a trade was only interested in a couple minor silver issues, we hammered out a swap(pardon the pun), he had a handful of older Afghan issues in his swap list. While I am looking for modern issues, of course, we collectors all have, to one extent or another, an attraction to old things. This brings me to yesterdays mail call. I see the package from Kazakhstan and am excited to catalogue it's contents into their corresponding albums, and can't wait to see the addition of an antique hammered copper! This hammered copper was billed as an 1833 Afghanistan falus, three swords. While the reverse seems to fit the three swords description, there is a problem. While I don't read Arabic text, I can read the numbers and immediately see the coin has the Hijri date of 1206 (1792 A.D.), not 1249 (1833 A.D.). Before going further, I should list the particulars of the coin. Weight 8.9 grams, Diameter 22mmx19mm, Thickness, approximately 2mm minimum & 4mm maximum, and appears to be copper, bronze is a possibility(I am no expert, but appearance seems correct, for aged copper) I'm sure the coin has been cleaned to an extent, it does have a nice patina, and hasn't been polished or dipped. Some of the high points are void of patina, which would be expected, with some handling of the specimen.So the online search begins, I find on Numista, a similar obverse, the 1 falus, Taimur Balkh mint, listing four dates, including 1206, similar, though not exact, dimensions; Diameter 24mm, Thickness 2.5mm, & Weight 8.26 grams. The reverse, of the only pictured coin, has only one sword, and a date error(variety alert!)dated 1220, it should be 1202. The 1206 version has no pic. I would link to the listing, but I do not know if that is allowed or advised. In closing, while I know there is a possibility of this being a modern creation, the person that I traded with has a high rating on the particular site I use, and the value of the swap was such that I am holding very little risk, the cost would be worth the novelty of having a reproduction. That said, am hoping there is someone out there that has some knowledge of this period and could assist in ID. I have ordered a period catalog, but seeing that there are few images online of this period, I am merely hopeful that it will help.
UPDATE! Thanks to David, who answered the question on the FB group! it is Durrani, Taimir Shah, Balkh, 1206h, Album 3103!
Comments
AC Coin$ð
Level 6
The true value and meaning of the historical coins were born In the midwest countries. Good post.
Makeco
Level 3
Thanks to Mokie for the info on the FB group, I have been avoiding FB, but for this it was worth it! And Special Thanks to David, who verified the ID, I was on the right track! Happy New Year, all!
CentSearcher
Level 5
I don't know much about world coins, but that is a really neat coin! Good luck!
Mike
Level 7
I wish you the best . Mokie has the best info that will help you. He knows his coins very well. He also knows were to look. . I have a motto never give up. It's a big undertaking and we will all be rooting for you. Keep us.in the loop!!
It's Mokie
Level 6
There is a great deal of expertise on the "American Numismatic Association Members" members-only Facebook Page. This page differs from the "American Numismatic Association" public Facebook page in that every person in the group must be a current ANA member and only registered members can view and respond to the posts.. There are a lot of dealers, foreign country members, and subject matter experts on the site. I would recommend you register with them and post your query.
Makeco
Level 3
Thanks all! I.R. Bama, will try the app, have not heard of it before, so thank you. Happy New Year!
Longstrider
Level 6
You have given yourself a great quest. I wish you luck. beautiful coin. I am a big fan of Numista.en. They are very helpful. Thanks.
Makeco
Level 3
I found Ucoin before Numista, so that is the swap site I use. Thought about joining Numista as well, but didn't want to try to keep up with 2 swap lists, 1 is enough! lol. Both sites have really helped with research!
Golfer
Level 5
You already sound like an expert in your description and knowledge of the date. Your blog post is pretty good already. Looking forward to knowing more about what you have. Someone here should be able to help you in the right direction for more information. Let us know how you make out and post again what you have, once more information is found. thanks
I. R. Bama
Level 5
Gosh I wish I could be of help. You might try this app I found, It seems pretty good with foreign coins.... Its called coinoscope. Get it on your cell phone and tak e a picture. I have had some good luck with it, but not with U.S. coins so much