Tonk Coins
The principality of Tonk was one of the princely states of India during the period of the British Raj. Located in present-day Rajasthan, Tonk was ruled by a Muslim dynasty of Pathan origin and was noted for its rich numismatic history, reflecting the complex mix of cultural and political influences in the region.
History and government of Tonk
Founded in 1798 by Muhammad Amir Khan, a Pathan mercenary, Tonk became an important center of power in the region. The state maintained relative autonomy under the British protectorate, allowing its rulers to issue their own currency. Tonk's administration was characterized by a mixture of Islamic traditions and local practices, which was reflected in its monetary system. The nawabs of Tonk, the title held by its rulers, maintained complex relations with both other princely states and the British colonial power, skillfully navigating the political waters of the time to preserve their autonomy and status.
Tonk Coins and their Numismatic Legacy
Tonk coins are highly valued by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance. The state issued a variety of coins, including silver rupees and copper pieces, which often featured inscriptions in Persian and Islamic symbols, reflecting the cultural heritage of its rulers. Some coins also incorporated local design elements, creating a fascinating numismatic hybrid. The mintage quality of Tonk coins was generally high, and many pieces survive in excellent condition. The study of these coins provides valuable insights into the economics, politics, and culture of India's princely states during the 19th and early 20th centuries, making Tonk numismatics a particularly rich field of research for historians and collectors alike.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Tonk coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Ancient coins of India-Princely States
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of India-Princely States.
Bhopal Bikaner Bahawalpur Baroda Gwalior Hyderabad Indore Jaipur Jodhpur Junagadh Kutch Mewar Nawanagar Pudukkottai Ratlam Tonk TravancoreCoin Catalog
1 rupee (Tonk)
1 rupee (Tonk)
1 paisa (Tonk)
1 rupee (Tonk)
2 mohur (Tonk)
1 paisa (Tonk)
1/8 rupee (Tonk)
4 anna (Tonk)
1 rupee (Tonk)
1 pice (Tonk)
1 pice (Tonk)
1/8 rupee (Tonk)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of India-Princely States
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