Rarity:RR
In the 15th century Kelantan was an independent sultanate but was attacked by Malacca during the rule of Sultan Mahmud Shah (1488-1511). In the 18th century, Kelantan was under the influence of Terengganu through a viceroy. However, a revolt led by a local royal family established an independent dynasty under Siamese suzerainty. In 1909 after the Treaty of Bangkok, Kelantan came under the British protection after Siam surrendered its suzerainty rights in exchange for Britain's promise to give up any of its claim on Siam's territory.
There is no written history about how Kelantan put kijang on their kupang. One is the view which associates the coins with Che Siti Wan Kembang, a female ruler in Kelantan. Her reign was rather obscure as one historian places her in the 14th century while another puts her in the 17th century. According to local folklore, some Arab traders presented a Kijang to the Queen. She became very fond of her pet and had it inscribed on the gold coins. Another version was linked to the influence of Saivite Hinduism. The connection was based on the fact that the earliest issue of Kijang coins resembled the Indian humped-back bull and the bull motif was depicted on the ancient Hindu coins which were circulated in the Northern Malay States.
Source:malay-coins.tripod.com/kelantan.htm,
Obverse :
Hump Bull facing left. Tail pointing below.(20 % Off Center Struck)
Reverse :
Al Adil (The Just)
Metal/Denomination : Gold Kupang
Weight:0.59gm.
Period : circa 16th-17th century (Patani/Kelantan)
Ref : SS 58
Special thanks to Haji Rani for the images.
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