Description
INDIA
Mysore, Tipu Sultan (1782–1799). Medal commemorating the visit of the three ambassadors from Mysore to the court of Louis XVI, restrike [AH 1202 (1788)], restrike after 1880, Paris.
Obverse: Inscriptions in six lines and (date).
Reverse: Inscriptions in five lines and (date).
Puddester cf. 787 – Ruedas cf. 9 p.578; Silver – 20.52 g – 38.2 mm – 12 h
Later restrike with ‘ARGENT’ hallmark (horn). The edge is smooth. With a developing patina displaying multicoloured highlights. Superb, in mint condition.
Tippu Sahib (1749–1799), Sultan of Mysore (a kingdom in southern India), sent an embassy to Louis XVI to seek France’s assistance in the face of British expansionism in India. The formal audience with the three ambassadors – Mohammed Dervish Khan, Akbar Ali Khan and Mohammed Osman Khan – took place on 10 August 1788 in the Salon d’Hercule (26 Dhu’l-Qa’da 1202). In addition to their letters of credence, they presented the king with twenty-one gold coins, ‘which, according to the customs of their country, is a token of the deepest respect. ’ (Mercure de France). They received various gifts: tableware from the Sèvres porcelain works and Savonnerie carpets, decorated with floral motifs ‘without depictions of humans or animals’, in accordance with the customs of the Muslim faith. They then visited the Paris Mint (7 Dhu’l-Hijja 1202) and probably witnessed the striking of the original medal
See original version (French)
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