India, Mysore 1785 AV Fanam (Numista 50626)

INDIA, MYSORE
Tipu Sultan, 1782-1799
AV Fanam (6.65mm, 0.35g, 12h)
Dated AH 1199 (AD 1785.) Patan mint
Obverse: Large Persian letter (He) within circle, dotted border surrounding
Reverse: Persian legend “zarb Patan”, date above
References: Numista 50626; KM 128.1

Tipu Sultan, also known as the “Tiger of Mysore”, was the ruler of the Indian kingdom of Mysore from 1782 until his death in 1799. He was famous for his resistance against the British during the Mysore Wars (four conflicts spanning from 1766 – 1799). Tipu Sultan was also famous for his pioneering use of rocketry in warfare. He allied himself with the French in his efforts to drive the British out of India, but was ultimately defeated and killed during the Siege of Seringapatam in 1799. As the British forces under General David Baird breached the city walls, Tipu Sultan refused the opportunity to escape, saying, “Better to live one day as a tiger than a thousand years as a sheep,” and died, fighting to the last.

Collection : World coins - medieval to present