Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 5 Rupees 1897, KM# 820, Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan the Iron Amir
  • 5 Rupees 1897, KM# 820, 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 with date in Lunar Hijri (Five Kabul's Rupees, decree 3) above, official coin's weight (10 methqal = 46 grams) in Persian letters below the emblem and three five-pointed stars at the top.

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

★★★
پنجروپیه كابلي سند ۳
ده مثقال

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 in the loop and decree 3 at the right of tughra surrounded by a wreath tied with ribbon below, three five-pointed stars at the top.

★★★
سند ۳
امير
عبد الرحمن
الملة والدين
ضياء
١٣١۴

Edge
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 40.05 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness 4 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Kabul Mint

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