The 2018 Mohur Gold Proof Coin

The Mohur, meaning symbol or seal, was first recorded in the history of world coinage as long ago as 1540. Introduced by the Mughal Emperor Sher Shah Suri, known locally as Sher Khan or the Lion King, the founder of the Sur Empire in Northern India, it was seen as a symbol of the Emperor’s power and wealth.

Some may say it was fate that this symbol of wealth and prestige should come to represent The East India Company. Founded in the year 1600 by way of Royal Charter by Elizabeth I the Company has long since been acknowledged as the world’s first global corporation. It quickly dominated world trade with an international reach across many continents. It’s early trading interest in fine cloths, tea and spices soon saw its influence spread throughout India and the Far East. By the middle of the 17th century the East India Company had become one of the two biggest bullion traders of its time and exported vast amounts of precious metal from England to support its trading needs.

As The Company’s activities expanded it became so significant that in 1677 King Charles II granted it the right
to mint its own coins in the territories it administered and through partnerships with local mints in India, the
majestic Mohur was adopted as the main trading currency of the East India Company gold coin.