French East India Company, INO Shah Alam II, Silver Rupee of Pondicherry Mint

A French rupee that became a success story. In 1745, the French obtained permission to strike Mughal-style rupees from the Nawab of Arcot. A crescent was added to the reverse design to suggest a French attribution. Known as the ‘Arkat Phulcherry’ rupees, they became highly successful as the standard coin for trade and commerce in south India. Spin-offs, closely resembling this style, were struck by the Marathas at Dharwad and by the Mysore Kingdom, following the fall of Tipu Sultan.