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Lot 179. Iran, Fath Ali Shah AV 5 Toman 1226 AH
Fath Ali Shah 5 Toman 1226 AH
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(Sunday, May 22nd, 20:29:30 CEST)
Current time: Friday, November 1st, 11:36:18 CET
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eAuction #48, Lot 179. Estimate: CHF 100'000.00
Iran. Qajar Dynasty. Fath Ali Shah (1212-1250 AH = 1797-1834 AD). AV 5 Toman 1226 AH = 1811 (39.5 mm, 26.71 g), Tabriz mint. Presentation issue with oblique hand-cut reeded edge.
Obv. Inscription in four lines within double circle surrounded by elaborate floral motif.
Rev. Inscription and date within double circle surrounded by elaborate floral motif.
Fr. 32. KM 746.1. A T2683.
Very rare. Extremely fine.
Fath Ali Shah succeeded to the throne in 1797 after his uncle Agha Mohammad Khan, who had united Persia a few years before, had been murdered by two servants. Through his rivalry with Alexander I of Russia over supremacy in the Caucasus region, the Shah quickly became involved in the Napoleonic World Wars. During the Russo-Persian War of 1804-1813, he sought for support both from the British and the French, but soon had to learn that the European powers were basing their policy towards Persia solely on the current situation in Europe with its fluctuating armistices and alliances and therefore proved to be unwilling to provide any substantial and Lasting support. This led to a devestating military defeat and the loss of all Persian possessions in the Caucasus, a disaster that became even more traumatic to the Persians after another unsuccessful war against Russia in 1826-1828.
On the bright side, however, Fath Ali Shah was a devout friend of the arts. During his reign, Persian painting and handicraft flourished and reached new peaks - no less than 25 portrait of the Shah have survived, all of which show him in elaborate clothing and with his characteristic long black beard reaching down to his waist. Contemporary European sources from early in his reign describe him as a vigorous and intelligent leader interested in science, art and literature - he even added the title "Most Formidable Lord and Master of the Encyclopaedia Britannica" to his royal titles after having received and read the complete 3rd Edition in 1797! In later years, however, sources describe him as decadent and lethargic. He is said to have had hundreds of spouses and at least 100 children, although some sources indicate he may have sired up to 5000 descendants, leading to his nickname "Father of the Nation".
The 5 Tomans of Fath Ali Shah were certainly never meant to circulate as coins, rather, they were presentation issues for high-ranking officials such as generals and foreign diplomats, which is why they generally show traces of mounting. Two different types were issued: the majority is struck on thick, small flans, while others, like ours, come on thinner, but larger flans. Every care was taken to produce particularly impressive donations of heavy weight and elaborate design. Our specimen was struck towards the peak of the war with Russia of 1804-1813 and thus likely intended to be handed over to an important serving officer.
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