Note: : Muhammad Akbar II, the 26th Mughal Emperor, had a notably brief and tumultuous reign, lasting only two days from October 15 to October 17, 1788. During this short period, he ruled as a puppet under the control of the Rohilla chief, Ghulam Qadir, amidst the political instability that plagued Delhi. His reign was part of a turbulent era in the Mughal Empire, where the power struggled between various figures, including Shah Alam II and Bedar Bakht.

On October 15, the young prince Muhammad Akbar II was enthroned, and in those fleeting two days, Khutba was recited, and coins were struck in both gold and silver—rare numismatic relics that mark this brief puppet rule. Among the coins produced during this short-lived reign, those minted in Saharanpur are particularly noteworthy. These coins are extremely rare due to the brevity of Akbar II’s reign, offering a unique glimpse into the political upheaval of the time, when the Mughal Emperor had little real power, his authority overshadowed by Ghulam Qadir and the emerging dominance of the East India Company.

The coins from this period serve as a tangible reminder of the fragile nature of Mughal authority at the time and the shifting control over India. For a deeper understanding of Muhammad Akbar II’s reign and its numismatic significance, Dr. Shailendra Bhandare’s article, "Muhammad Akbar: A Pawn in Politics," published in the ONS Newsletter, offers valuable insights into this fascinating chapter of history.

Silver Quarter Rupee Coin of Victoria Queen of Calcutt ...

Silver Quarter Rupee Coin of King George VI Of Lahore M ...

Silver Half Rupee Coin of Victoria Empress of Bombay Mi ...

Silver Half Rupee Coin of Victoria Queen of Bombay Mint ...