Zanzibar, Pysa, 1304 AH (1886 AD), Heaton's mint (Birmingham), KM#7

[Overlord]

Obverse Zanjabara


Reverse Scales; 1304 (AH) (1886 AD)

[BC Numismatics]

Amit,
  That is a very nice coin that you have got there.

You have got the obverse & reverse photos around the wrong way,as it is the scales that appears on the obverse of both the AH1299 (1882) & AH1304 (1887) 1 Pysa coins.

The AH1304 1 Pysa is an extremely underrated coin that is also underpriced in Krause,as it seldomly turns up at all.

The obverse (scales) reminds me of the Mombasa 1 Pice coins dated AH1306 (1888),which I do have,along with both Zanzibari 1 Pysa coins.

Aidan.

[Figleaf]

This is how I like coins: circulated, but with clear details and splashed all over my screen. The die cutter must have been very familiar with the scales. The details of the mechanism are al there, the scales are ready to use.

The inspiration for the scales undoubtedly came from EIC coins for the Indian subcontinent, so from a European source. In European symbolism, scales stand for justice. It has become an attribute of Justitia, together with the blindfold and sword. I wonder if the scales have the same significance here. On the EIC coins, there is the word adil (justice) under the scales. Was it put there because the locals would otherwise not understand the symbolism?

If so, how about East Africa? What was the function of the scales? Putting a familiar symbol on the coins, to trigger an "yes, right, good coin, like those others" reaction? A symbol of justice, so well known that the word adil was not or no longer necessary? Or had it become something else, like a symbol for trade and markets, colourful, vibrant places, where plenty of food is available and you can meet people you see nowhere else?

Peter

[gerard974]

Is a new (but old ) coins from Zanzibar

[gerard974]

[Figleaf]

That's the earlier type, dated 1299, also struck in Birmingham. I had automatically assumed that they shared a die, but look at the very top of the scales...

The pitted surface and general unsharpness of the coin may be due to cleaning, but nevertheless, a "ping" test seems to be called for. Is the weight of the coin acceptable? (not that I have an idea of how much it should weigh)

Peter

[gerard974]

i dont sent the page of the KM IXX century for ZANZIBAR because is heavy but for the value of the Ref 1 and 7 is stange more coins are minted more hight is the value
Gerard

[Figleaf]

Mintage figures are not a good guide to price. Price depends on supply, demand and the depth of the market. The market for this coin is very shallow to begin with, but let's pretend it's not and attach a warning that actual price may be higher or lower than catalogue quote instead. Let's also pretend that demand is constant, or at least the same for both coins, so that price depends on supply alone. In that case, supply depends on mintage, the number of coins withdrawn and re-melted and conditions of use. Let's suppose that conditions of use were the same also. Then, regrettably, we must still conclude that we know nothing about the number of coins withdrawn and that it is too important a variable to suppose that these numbers are comparable.

In other words, what's important is not price but value and value is in your mind, not in your catalogue.

Peter

[gerard974]

OK Peter i understand . Is not for the value because like you say is in the mind but i have finded stange . To day i understand why
Gerard

[Quant.Geek]

Another recent acquisition that has been postponed due to work 

Zanzibar: Sultan Sa'Id bin Barghash (1870-1888) AE Pysa (KM#7)

Obv: Scales with date in between; ١٣٠٤ (1304 AH)
Rev: Arabic Legend in center; زنجبار (Zanzibar)

A high-resolution image of this coin is available at FORVM Ancient Coins

[Siberian Man]

This is mine.

[bububoy]

@Ram your coin stumps everyone else's, clear date and chocolaty color, circulated but still very nicely preserved for all the details to be admired ! My coin is a invisible 0 and 4 !

mahe

[bububoy]

A beaten down Pysa, probably got traded a million times before it landed in my tray !
Weight-6.19g 21.2mm


mahe

[Quant.Geek]

Thanks mahe, but don't feel bad about your specimen.  These coins are scarce and hence it is not easy to find.  I was lucky to pick this one up as I was searching for a good specimen for a while!  This just landed on my feet without much effort!  Talk about being lucky....