Obverse. Photo © Stephan Album Rare Coins
  • 1 Paisa 1892, KM# 801, Afghanistan, Abdur Rahman Khan the Iron Amir
  • 1 Paisa 1892, KM# 801, 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.

Four subtypes of paisa for the year AH1309 can be differentiated by size:

• KM# 800: 24-25 mm
• KM# 801.1: 20-20.5 mm, thin (~4.4 g)
• KM# 801.2: 20-20.5 mm, thick (~5.3 g)
• KM# 802: 21-21.5 mm

Obverse

Depicts the emblem of the Emirate of Afghanistan, the denomination in Persian letters and the date below the emblem.

The Afghan Emblem features a mosque with a mihrab and minbar (pulpit) at its center. Flanking the mosque are two flags, symbolizing Afghanistan's flags surrounded by a wreath of flowers ribbon below.

یک بیسه
۱۳۰۹

Reverse

Depicts the legend "Struck in Sultanate Capital" in Arabic within a beaded circle with a flowered border up both sides, starting from the base.

كابل
دار
السلطنة
ضرب

Edge
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 4.31 g
Diameter 20.5 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# 801.1, KM# 801.2
Mint
Kabul Mint

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