April

The image depicts Maharaja Ranjit Singh sitting (on his knees) in front of Guru Nanak (seated cross-legged) and offering floral tributes at the feet of the Guru. In the middle is a Sikh flag separating both individuals and signifying Sikh Sovereignty. The coin shows the humility of the Maharajah and subservience to the Guru.

The text in Persian can be translated as:

Degh Tegh Fateh, Nusrat Bedrung, Yafat Az, Nanak Guru Gobind Singh. 1885. Abundance, power and victory (and) assistance without delay, are the gifts of Nanak (and) Guru Gobind Singh.1885

The reverse of the coin describes where it was struck, Zarb Lahore-Struck in Lahore.

HISTORY

These coins were minted on two occasions, Naunihal Singh's wedding and when the Maharaja recovered from illness. These are famously known as the 'Portrait rupees'. The coin can be seen in the collections of the British Museum. Museum number: 1936,1017.1 and 1865,0802.69.X as well as being in the collections of private collectors.