ISLAMIC, Persia, Afsharids – Nadir Shah (Reign as King: AH 1148-1160 / AD 1736-1747) Silver 6 Shahi, Shiraz Mint • Weight: 6.95 grams • Diameter: 17 mm Obverse: The inscription "al-Sultan Nadir" appears in three lines, enclosed within a central circular border, identifying Nadir Shah as the ruler. Reverse: Features the phrase "khalada Allah mulkahu" ("May God perpetuate his sovereignty"), a standard invocation on Islamic coinage reflecting divine support for the ruler’s reign. The mint name, Shiraz, and the date, 1151 AH (1738 AD), are inscribed in the exergue at the bottom, confirming the place and time of issue. Historical Context: Nadir Shah, one of Persia’s most formidable and controversial rulers, led the Afsharid dynasty from 1736 to 1747. Emerging from humble origins, he distinguished himself as a brilliant military strategist, eventually deposing the last Safavid monarch and proclaiming himself Shah. His military campaigns, including the famous invasion of India, resulted in immense wealth for Persia—most notably with his capture of Delhi and the legendary Peacock Throne. Although Mashhad in northeastern Iran became the political center under Nadir Shah, Shiraz remained an important city for commerce, culture, and coin production. This silver 6 Shahi, minted in 1151 AH (1738 AD), reflects Nadir Shah’s consolidation of power across his territories and his ability to maintain administrative control over key regions like Shiraz. Nadir Shah’s reign was marked by both unprecedented military success and political brutality. He expanded Persia’s borders to their greatest extent in centuries, but his later years were characterized by tyranny and paranoia, leading to his assassination in 1747. Coins like this one provide a tangible link to his legacy, reflecting both his imperial ambitions and the complexities of his rule. This 6 Shahi from Shiraz exemplifies the coinage of Nadir Shah’s era—an enduring symbol of his brief yet transformative impact on Persian history