Sikhs led by Banda Singh Bahadar established their first Kingdom in 1710. They minted their own coin. It was a pure Silver coin.
Inscription on the coin reads: Coin stuck for the two worlds (spiritual and temporal), with blessings of Guru Nanak. By the conquest of Guru Gobind Singh King of Kings, and by the grace of One True God.
Sikhs led by Maharaja Ranjit Singh established their second Sikh Kingdom again from 1799-1849. They issued coins from more than 10 mints.
The period in between the two Sikh Kingdoms was known as the era of Misls (Confederacy). Sikhs did not have a formal kingdom but issued their own coins.
The unique features about Sikhs coins are:
Coins did not have images of the current King or even Sikh Gurus. This is in keeping with Sikh Ethos of not glorifying people and personalities, and no idol worship.
Sikhs did not debase (mix with cheaper metals like copper) their coins right up to the end of Sikh Kingdom in 1849. This is significant as almost all problems in the world today are due to inflation from money printing and debasing currency.
Sikhs issued coins even when they did not have a formal kingdom as they dominated their region even when they were a small minority.
Sikhs did not debase (mix with cheaper metals like copper) their coins right up to the end of Sikh Kingdom in 1849. This is significant as almost all problems in the world today are due to inflation from money printing and debasing currency.
Sikhs issued coins even when they did not have a formal kingdom as they dominated their region even when they were a small minority.
