Obverse. Photo © Stephan Album Rare Coins
  • 1 Qiran 1897, KM# 817, Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan the Iron Amir
  • 1 Qiran 1897, KM# 817, Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan the Iron Amir
Description

Abdur Rahman Khan (c. 1840 – 1901), known as The Iron Amir, ruled Afghanistan from 1880 until his death in 1901. He unified the country after years of internal conflict and negotiated the Durand Line Agreement with British India. As the son of Mohammad Afzal Khan and grandson of Dost Mohammad Khan, founder of the Barakzai dynasty, Abdur Rahman Khan reasserted Afghan government control following the second Anglo-Afghan war. His reign was marked by military despotism, a strong army, and extensive espionage. Known for quelling over 40 rebellions, his rule was described as a "reign of terror" with up to 100,000 judicial executions, mass starvations, and forced migrations. Despite his harsh methods, he is considered one of Afghanistan's greatest military leaders.

Obverse

Depicts the emblem of the Emirate of Afghanistan, denomination in Persian letters below with date in Lunar Hijri (One Qiran), official coin's weight (one methqal = 4.56 grams) in Pashto letters above.

The Afghan Emblem features a mosque with a mihrab and minbar (pulpit) at its center. Flanking the mosque are two flags, Karakul hat above, symbolizing Afghanistan's flags surrounded by wheat sheaves with ribbon below.

يكمثقال
یكقران

Reverse

Depicts the tughra in Amir Abdur Rahman's name with his title below (Zia al-Mullat wa al-Din = Light of the Religion), the date of accession in Lunar Hijri at the top right of the Tughra surrounded by the value above and a wreath tied with ribbon below, a five-pointed star at the top.


امير
عبد الرحمن
الملة والدين
ضياء
١٣١۴

Edge

1 Qiran (1/2 Rupee)

Emirate
KM# 817
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.500
Weight 4.56 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Kabul Mint

Related coins

Saqqawist Emirate

Silver, 4.6 g, ⌀ 21.5 mm